(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

NESPCA in trouble

NESPCA concerned about finances, potential closure of shelter

Aug 30, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The North East SPCA is in danger of closing the doors of the Harry and Eve Vickar Shelter.

The organization has issued a warning about their imminent closure if they don’t raise significant funds.

Vice President of Communications Bill Wood told northeastNOW said the shelter is in trouble. Wood said the pandemic hampered their fundraising ability and drained their reserves.

“With our high mortgage rates and the current economy and the inflation rates leading to an ever-increasing number of animals needing our help, and that makes it very, very difficult for us to pay our current bills for much longer,” Wood explained.

He said the North East SPCA has helped to give over 700 animals a second chance at life for loving families, and they’ve worked hard to help the northeast.

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The organization is sending a mail out and has organized a gofundme fundraising campaign. A business canvas is also taking place, with the goal of increasing their corporate donations. Residents can also visit their website to donate.

“If we can’t reach what we want to reach, and that is around $300,000, if we can’t reach that by the end of November, we’re going to have to close our doors.”

Wood said everyone needs to ask themselves if they want an animal shelter in the northeast, because the current situation is untenable.

“It takes $14,000 a month to run the animal shelter,” said Wood. “That’s a lot of money.”

The building’s mortgage is one of the largest costs for the organization, and Wood said if that is paid down significantly it would help a great deal. There is about $350,000 left on the mortgage.

Wood said there are many things local businesses and corporations could do to help, including paying the utility bill of $1300 for a month. The SPCA’s vet bills are $2000 a month, the mortgage is $3800 a month. The naming rights for the adoption room at the shelter are also available for $20,000.

The organization has faced financial difficulty before, but Wood said they’re now week-to-week.

“If we can’t get that mortgage down it’s going to be the end of November and we’re going to have to close our doors.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK