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‘One small gesture can mean the world’ Fundraiser supports increased capacity for animals at new Regional SPCA St. John’s facility SPONSORED BY
BY BETH SUDDARD
The Regional SPCA St. John’s is a non-profit organization that has been improving the lives of vulnerable animals for more than 100 years. The SPCA St. John’s funds their programs from a number of sources including public donations, fundraising events, adoption fees and thrift store sales. Now, it’s in need of the public’s help as it continues its $5 million The Way Home capital campaign to build a new and much-needed facility, which to date has raised more than $2 million. “It’s really important to understand that more than 95 per cent of our money comes from the public,” explains Bob Noseworthy, member of The Way Home Campaign Cabinet and member of the SPCA St. John’s Board of Directors. “We are a successful and accountable business-oriented organization. Every dollar we receive is wellearmarked for the programs that we run.” Noseworthy explains that an important aspect of SPCA work is its prevention of pet overpopulation, which is accomplished through programs including its spay and neuter programs, which help people who may otherwise not be able
to afford this service. The SPCA’s adoption program also prevents overpopulation by ensuring that all animals are vet-checked, vaccinated, microchipped, temperament-checked, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption. “Our organization has a success rate for adoptions in excess of 98 per cent, making us the leader in Canada,” says Noseworthy. “And while we are the protector of animals and a not-for-profit organization, we are also a well-run operation, utilizing business best-practice.” SPCA St. John’s has eight permanent staff members who are highly trained and motivated. Their operation would not be possible without our incredible volunteer base, made up of more than 400 people. “While we function and are directed by our board of directors down through to our trained staff, we couldn’t survive without the volunteers,” says Noseworthy. The SPCA St. John’s adopts approximately 1,200 animals annually. Unfortunately, the current facility is no longer adequate to meet the SPCA’s needs. There is insufficient space for the animals, volunteers, and staff: the rooms are closet-sized, kennel space is limited, and there are no medical rooms. The Board of Directors conducted a needs assessment that showed the current facility was less than half the size required to serve its communities. The cost to build this new structure is $5 million. This
SPCA St. John’s has eight permanent staff members who are highly trained and motivated. Their operation would not be possible without our incredible volunteer base, made up of more than 400 people. organization can handle the operating costs of a new facility, but it needs assistance from the public to build it. This is what led to the birth of The Way Home capital campaign. Renee Marquis-Antle is a passionate supporter of animal rescue initiatives on the Avalon Peninsula. She is the Honourary Patron of the campaign and has been a supporter of the SPCA for more than 25 years. She currently has four feline ‘SPCA specials’ enriching her household. “The current place is aging poorly and, despite best efforts, is cramped,” she says. “A new facility would allow for more space, more volunteers offering comfort and affection.” Marquis-Antle shares how a recent case of kennel cough raced through the facility, due to the inability to isolate the animals in care. The planned design for the new building meets the latest standards for animal care, with better ventilation, addressing crosscontamination of airborne respiratory diseases. The new facility will also include a medical clinic to provide timely healthcare and medical attention and decrease
The Regional SPCA St. John’s is in need of the public’s help as it continues its $5 million The Way Home capital campaign to build a new and much-needed facility, which to date has raised more than $2 million. PHOTO CREDIT: Contributed.
the amount of travel and stress placed on the already vulnerable animals. “The new shelter would allow veterinary aid within the facility immediately, saving money, but more importantly, keeping the animals from suffering,” says Marquis-Antle. With the expansion, the SPCA St. John’s will more than double the number of animals that can be taken in. The new facility will offer outdoor space, improving both the physical and mental wellbeing of the animals. It will provide more capacity for programming, including increased community outreach and education. “It’s a state-of-the-art facility. We want to make sure when we build it, that it is exactly what we need for now, and long into the future,” says Noseworthy. “We’re financially sustainable, and we’re accountable. We’ve got a highly
skilled, diversified board and a professional, well-trained staff. If you believe in the values and believe in what we represent in the community, you will see a beautiful return on your donation.” With the knowledge and expertise of the SPCA St. John’s, the organization is poised to serve its community long into the future. And it needs your help and donations to build the right facility to help make that happen. “Please help,” says MarquisAntle. “One small gesture from you can mean the world of difference to a suffering animal.” To show your support or learn more about this important initiative, visit and donate at thewayhomespca.ca.