"The money will go to the SPCA’s general revenue fund and help pay down a $20,000 deficit for operating expenses this year."

The whole $5300 raised goes to head office. This is the first real admission that we have seen that all the money goes to Head Office. Most SPCAs still imply that all the money stays in the community. But how much will come back to the Quesnel SPCA to pay down its $20,000 operating deficit?

From the BC SPCA's Strategic Plan 2005-2008, (to be voted on Sept 18th) page 10:
Recommendation #3G: It is recommended that with two months of the adoption of this report that the following branches be notified that the level of support they can expect to receive in 2006 through approved operating deficits will be significantly decreased and that services will be reduced if local fundraising initiatives are not significantly increased.

Quesnel SPCA is on that list of thirteen branches under the gun, along with Abbotsford, Alberni, Comox (Courtney), Cowichan (Duncan), Nanaimo, North Cariboo (Prince George, where the SPCA just opened a vet clinic) North Peace (Fort St John), South Peace (Dawson Creek), Shuswap (Salmon Arm), Squamish, Sunshine Coast, and Victoria.

Will a $300 increase over last year's Paws for a Cause Walk be considered enough to give the Quesnel SPCA a reprieve?

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Quesnel Observer

Dog walk raises SPCA cash

By Stephen Braverman
Sep 14 2005

The SPCA raised $5,300 in the 7th annual Paws for a Cause Walk-A-Thon Sunday at LeBourdais Park.
The weather co-operated as approximately 50 different groups of people participated in the annual event, said SPCA manager Barb Onciul.
“The rodeo was going on so we were pleased that we still had a lot of people,” Onciul said. “Last year we raised $5,000 and every year we go up a bit. It’s an annual event so there will be one next year.”
The money will go to the SPCA’s general revenue fund and help pay down a $20,000 deficit for operating expenses this year.
“Our veterinary bills have been enormous because we’ve taken in a lot of injured animals this year,” Onciul said.
The shelter also has 10 puppies and no puppy food, she said.
Anyone wanting to make a donation to the SPCA can call 992-7722.

© Copyright 2005 Quesnel Cariboo Observer