A community-wide fundraiser to bring the SPCA back to Campbell River has surpassed $10,000 – the magic number.
City council promised to match any funds raised, up to a maximum of $10,000, through the Go Loonie for the SPCA fundraiser challenge which kicked off May 1 on the front lawn of city hall as Acting Mayor Larry Samson declared May SPCA month in Campbell River.
Veterinarian Helen Kwong reported that $10,509 has already been raised, with exactly two more weeks to go.
“It’s official, Merecroft Veterinary Clinic has exceeded the $10,000 mark,” an excited Kwong posted on the Campbell River SPCA’s Facebook page.
Just one week prior, Kwong revealed they were nearing that goal.
“The Merecroft Veterinary Clinic total stands at $9,642 as of 5 p.m. on May 1,” Kwong said. “I can already see that big, fat $10,000 cheque from the City of Campbell River.”
The total fundraised is likely even greater than what the vet is reporting, as the Go Loonie fundraiser has been taken on by local businesses and individuals who are raising their own dollars through a series of challenges and putting all the money raised into an account at Scotia Bank.
Kwong’s goal is to make up the shortfall between the SPCA’s offer to the city of $80,000 to provide animal impound services and the $400,000 the SPCA said it costs to run the local shelter each year.
Kwong, who was invited by council to sit in on a meeting last month between the SPCA and city council to come up with an agreement to bring the SPCA back, said the two organizations are still speaking.
“Talks are ongoing between the city and the SPCA,” Kwong said. “With the success of Go Loonie for the SPCA, council will hopefully understand that Campbell River is indeed a city with a heart.
“There is a huge community support to bring back our SPCA and look after our animals who cannot speak for themselves.”
Kwong said the SPCA is planning to hold a public meeting, possibly in mid-June, to answer questions and hear concerns from the public.