Gulf Islands Driftwood
Thursday, February 12, 2004

Local SPCA in desperate need of aid

By Gail Sjuberg

Salt Spring's SPCA has put out a distress call to keep it from going under financially.
The local society has now hit the after struggling for two years with changes imposed by the B.C. Gaming Commission and the B.C. SPCA organization.

"The idea of it closing is just heartbreaking," said Jena Peori, who has been both an SPCA volunteer and part-time employee.

SPCA stalwart Cathie Newman said the problem first surfaced two years ago.

"That’s the point we started using our reserves to help us . . . and then we were told [by SPCA head office] we couldn't use them anymore."

Before 2002, Salt Spring’s SPCA applied for and usually received grants from the B.C. Gaming Commission, said Newman. Combined with islanders’ donations and income generated from reserves, the SPCA could cover its costs.

But gaming commission rules changed in 2002, so that only the head office of the SPCA could apply for a grant, which was capped at $250,000 — about one-quarter of the total all branches received the year before.

The branch's 2003 deficit was forgiven by head office but the group was advised that would not be done again.

"So this is why we have to raise the money on the island," said Newman.

“We need to come up with about $5,000 per month,” said Salt Spring SPCA branch manager and special constable Vivian Murrill. “Donations are wonderful too. Any kind of gift certificates can be used and they are tax deductible.”

The 2004 budget for the Salt Spring SPCA is $101,000.

Some islanders have in the past generously provided a few thousand dollars at a time, said Newman, but contributions of any size are helpful.

Newman notes $60 covers the cost of neutering a cat, which has a hugely positive impact; while $15 takes care of a vaccination. All cats brought to the SPCA are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and receive medical treatment as needed.
In addition to immediate donations of money and goods, four to 10 people are critically needed to help with long-term fundraising and planning.

That role is undertaken through the branch's Community Advisory Committee, which Newman now chairs.

Peori observes that the financial crisis has arrived just as demand for SPCA services is reaching a peak.

"Salt Spring has really been growing," she said. "We have a lot of cats for this time of year, and most are very adoptable."

Fifty cats are currently in SPCA care at the shelter on Sharp Road behind Gulf Islands Veterinary Clinic or in foster homes — and kitten season has not yet commenced.

Ten rabbits needing adoption are also cared for on the property.

Developmentally challenged islanders who use services of the Gulf Islands Families Together Society (GIFTS) are among current volunteers.

A comment from volunteer Krishna Cherry points out the mutual benefit provided by the SPCA. "I love to cuddle the cats and have fun and know the cats love it when I come," she said.

“I love volunteering at the SPCA,” said Marjorie McKay. “The cats are my friends. They make me feel happy when I’m having a frustrating day.”

The Salt Spring SPCA’s annual general meeting is at Lions Hall on Saturday, February 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lori Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the B.C. SPCA, is guest speaker.

Anyone wanting more information about the current crisis is urged to attend.

For more information, call Newman at 537-1414, or Murrill through the SPCA pager, 537-2123. People can also drop by the shelter — just call in advance (537-1442) to make sure someone is there."

Did the B.C. gaming rules change in 2002?