Red Deer and District SPCA still needs to raise another $830,000 from the community for the construction of its new Animal Welfare and Humane Education Centre.
Community donations and fundraising for the Building Pawsitive Futures capital campaign has reached $1.67 million. The target is $2.5 million.
“The building is coming along but we still have a bit of a way to go to raise funds to complete it,” said SPCA development officer Heidi Arbeau-Wood on Thursday.
She said the cost of the project has climbed to $4.2 million so it’s important to reach that $2.5 million community goal.
So far government has contributed $1.47 million.
Last November construction crews broke ground on the building directly west of the current quarters at 4505 77th St.
The bigger centre will double the capacity for homeless pets and provide more educational programming so more animals will have a chance to find a loving family.
Construction of the 12,300-square-foot facility is expected to be complete in the fall.
Right now, staff and animals are making due with the cramped site, which is poorly ventilated and operates with old furnaces.
The new shelter will have room for storage, offices, a training area and animal exercise rooms.
In addition to fundraising for the centre, the SPCA is also holding a silent auction and garage sale this month. Money raised by the annual events goes towards the SPCA’s operating costs.
The silent auction Critters For Hope started at Parkland Mall Thursday and runs until Sunday. People can bid on gift baskets donated by individuals and businesses. Bids close on Sunday at noon.
The Red Deer & District SPCA annual Garage Sale will be held on May 29, 30 and 31. Donated items can be dropped at 5237-54th St. (formerly All Sports Replay) starting Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Items can also be dropped off this month on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Clothing, computers and large appliances will not be accepted. For more information call Brenda at 403-309-6374 or SPCA at 403-342-7722.
For more information or to donate to Building Pawsitive Futures capital campaign go to www.reddeerspca.com
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com