Newsletter Autumn 2015
Welcome from the President
Well, another year is upon us! So much was achieved last year, with welcoming Harcourts as our Principal Supporter, and introducing three new fundraising events into our annual calendar, all of which will be seen again this year. More importantly, we have assisted, loved and homed over a thousand animals during the year. This is no small task for a local community group which receives no funding assistance from the Government or the National Branch. Which means that all of this loving and care is possible because of the large number of volunteers and supporters who, like us, share the vision that animals need a voice. I have a personal wishlist that I want to share with you, and hope that you can assist me with this. We need to grow stronger and bigger, as the demands on us (and the associated costs) grow bigger every day. To do this, we need a strong and active membership. If you’re not already a member, please contact the shelter or visit our website (address on back page) for a form, and encourage your friends to do the same. If you are a member, please support the work we do by coming along to the AGM in March, and giving consideration as to whether you have skills to offer our committee, which is always looking for more members help to share the load. Our greatest need at the moment is for volunteers at the shelter. Volunteers hold a vital role by helping care for the animals at the shelter which in turns frees up the staff to assist the public with concerns,
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run the emergency ambulance, assist with adoptions and so on. We’re extremely short of this vital help at the moment, and being kitten season, demand is great. If you’re over 16 and can offer even an hour each week, the team at the shelter would love to hear from you. Turn to the back page for ways to contact us. Finally, as I’m stepping down as President at this years AGM after a three year term, I want to thank those who have dedicated so much of their time and energy into the shelter during that time. There are too many to thank; volunteers at the shelter, those who assist with bucket collections and events, staff, committee (past and present), and individuals and businessess who donate goods or services, but I want you to be assured that the effort you’ve made does make a difference to the lives of animals. Three years ago, we were unsure whether it was possible for Hastings to continue to have an SPCA shelter of its own. Now, we have massive community support and a rosy future. If you’ve helped in any way, no matter how small, that future exists because you were there. I thank you, and the animals thank you. I’ve had a great three years, have made some wonderful friends, and have gained great personal enjoyment from the achievements this community group makes every day. I shall continue to help where I can because, sadly, the animals will always need our help. Hoping that you will join me. Sharon Arcus, President
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Turn the page to read about Emmie, a delightful girl waiting patiently for her new family to come and take her home - could you be the family to offer her the new life she’s longing for?
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