The Flin Flon/ Creighton and Area SPCA is all about four-legged creatures, but the organization couldn’t operate without help from countless two-legged individuals.
At Tuesday’s annual general meeting, president Erica Husberg presented awards to three of the SPCA’s most dedicated volunteers.
Shelter Volunteer of the Year awards went to Jason Somers and Jilli Porter-Baines.
Somers began volunteering at the shelter when he found some extra time on his hands. He visits a few afternoons a week to walk the dogs, and also assists with meat draws.
“The dogs really appreciate their one-on-one time walking with Jason,” said Husberg, who addressed meeting attendees at the St. Peter and St. James Anglican Church.
Porter-Baines, an Australian who lives in Flin Flon part-time, volunteers at the shelter and assists with community fundraisers.
“Jilli is always very energetic and cheerful, and we always have a smile on our faces as we see her fly by the office window running down the road with one of our shelter dogs,” said Husberg.
Tijana Clarke accepted the Community Volunteer of the Year Award for her work at the shelter and out in the community.
Clarke attended all SPCA fundraisers this past year, helping to generate the dollars necessary to keep the shelter running.
“She is always there for us when we are in need,” Husberg said of Clarke, adding that the volunteer is passionate and dedicated.
Husberg reported that the SPCA brought 147 animals into its care in 2015. A total of 112 animals – 57 dogs and 55 cats – were adopted to their “furever homes,” she said.
As of Tuesday the SPCA had 29 animals – 16 cats and 13 dogs – in its care, Husberg said, adding that a number this high would not be possible without the commitment of foster owners.
She said the SPCA is applying to add a much-needed isolation room to the shelter. The room would keep animals quarantined from the other animals until they receive a clean bill of health.
“We will continue to educate the community of the importance of spaying [and] neutering their pets,” added Husberg. “We need to control the pet population in our area, and
that is one giant step to
doing that.”
The board of directors was left with one vacancy following long-time member Tony Spooner’s decision to retire.
The board now consists of president Erica Husberg, vice-president Sherry Barnett, treasurer Kelsey Horrocks, secretary Shannon Thompson and members Shelly Jones, Debbie Hiebert, Stuart Rutherford, Rhonda Werbicki, Rebecca Wells and Hollee Babcock.
Husberg said she is thankful for Hiebert’s decision to stay on the board. Hiebert, known throughout the area for her love of animals, has been a driving force within the SPCA since its launch.
Financial statements showed the SPCA lost $28,715 in 2015. Expenses totalled $165,706 with revenues coming in at $136,991.
Expenses increased $42,741 over 2014. Treasurer Kelsey Horrocks cited the cost of new outdoor fencing and a higher veterinarian tab, among other expenses.
In a brief report, Horrocks said donation revenue dropped, but this was because two larger donations came in at the end of 2014. There was also a decrease in meat draw, raffle and social revenue in 2015.
On the plus side, she noted, merchandise revenue increased.
Husberg said the SPCA’s first Beer, Burger and Band night was highly successful, though the most lucrative fundraisers remain the annual Furball social and an ATV raffle.
“We are not government subsidized and to keep the shelter running, we are constantly fundraising throughout the year,” she said.
As Husberg reported, community support for the SPCA includes more than dollars and cents. She reflected on the June 2015 bush fire that forced a temporary evacuation of the shelter.
“The community came to our aid in a big way. People showed up to help in our time of need,” she said.
