Capital Campaign
We have a problem
Over the past eight years we have been forced to turn away hundreds of animals from our doors for one simple reason: space. We cared for more than 1100 companion animals this past year. At any point in the year we have roughly 80 cat and 20 dog guests. However, this is the limit to the number of pets we can accept with 3000 square feet. There are many animals we cannot help because we don't have the space to let them stay. Red Deer is growing rapidly. Since our facility was built over 30 years ago the population has gone from 33,717 to almost 89,000 residents, and the pet population has grown along with it. As Red Deer grows, the SPCA needs to grow too.
However it is not just that we need more space: we need space designed to cater to the changing needs of people and animals alike. Over the past ten years the services we provide for animals and people have changed. The traditional Animal Shelter model no longer adequately serves either people or animals well. There is a huge need to educate and empower communities to care for and respect animals. Our progressive education and community programs have reached more than 6200 people, and we need more space for these programs to grow.
It isn't possible to renovate and expand the existing building. Our building has served us well for three decades and has finally come to the end of its life. There is a very real concern for the health and well being of the pets staying with us at the SPCA. We need to care for and protect animals, and we cannot afford animals becoming sick because of our building. Our building has been used up, and it is time to build.
We have a plan —You are a big part of it
It is clear that we need to build a new facility that allows us to properly serve the Red Deer region now and in the future. We are committed to strong fiscal management, and our $2.5 million project will fund a building that is both functional and modest. The capital project is a plan for a 12,000 square foot building with features that help us carry out our much-needed work:
- Space to care for twice the number of animals
- Facilities meeting veterinary, hygienic, and related animal-treatment standards
- Kennel facilities appropriate to animals needs and comfort
- A much needed Air Exchange System preventing the spread of contagious diseases
- Easily sterilized facility surfaces
- Adequate drainage for large volumes of water
- Floor plan designed for functionality and efficient resource usage.
For over 30 years Red Deer & District SPCA has been sheltering lost and discarded companion animals. It's time to build a new purpose-built facility that can continue to work long into the future. Our building is essential to what we do: it's the place where lost and discarded animals can find a home, for today and tomorrow.
We care deeply about our responsibility to the animals of the Red Deer region, however we cannot do this work by ourselves - We all share the responsibility for the care and protection of animals. Your support will make our $2.5 million campaign goal a reality.
Support the Red Deer SPCA and help build a Pawsitive Future for pets and their owners.
