Shown is the floor plan for the new proposed Battlefords Humane Society building. (Supplied/Battlefords Humane Society)

By Angela Brown

A new home for the animals

Battlefords Humane Society launching capital campaign fundraiser for new facility build

Jun 28, 2021 | 5:39 PM

The Battlefords Humane Society plans to start a fundraising drive to benefit its new proposed facility to replace the current shelter and is asking for the community’s support.

The new facility will be built on a property on the outskirts of North Battleford, just north off of Highway 4.

The “Shelter Us” capital campaign launch date is Saturday, Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the local humane society at 751 -114 St. in North Battleford. People are invited to take a tour of the existing facility and make a donation to the campaign.

“We can’t do this without our community,” shelter coordinator Michelle Spark said. “They say it takes a village. We need our community to help us. Without them, our dream will stay a dream, and it won’t become a reality.”

The proposed facility will be close to 6,000 sq. ft. in size. It will feature better separated quarters for the cats and dogs and will be better designed so there is more room. There will also be a cat community room for the animals to move around in and enjoy playtime. The site will also include separated stray impound areas and holding areas, each for cats and dogs respectively.

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“The main goal for [the new facility] is to prevent disease outbreaks, and create a safe and stress-free environment for the animals that are going to be living there, as well as a safe place for the staff,” Spark said.

As well, the new facility will have better ventilation and will not be congested like the existing facility.

During the launch of the fundraiser, people may want to consider signing up as volunteers for the campaign too.

For those who wish to give, they may want to look at the campaign’s various foundation donation levels available.

People also have the option to donate to have their name included on the wall of fame in the lobby of the new shelter.

They can donate at the launch or by contacting the Battlefords Humane Society through its website.

The society hopes to raise $1.5 million for the estimated $2 million project. So far, $500,000 has been received. The Humane Society hopes to start construction on the new facility in the spring of 2022.

Spark asks people to come to the launch and learn more about the humane society’s work in the Battlefords.

“This is such a vital part of our community,” she said. “We have training; we educate in the schools; we provide a place for stray animals and injured animals. We provide a safe haven for animals in crisis, whether it’s because they have been seized by animal protection, or [for] someone leaving a violent situation and needs somewhere for their animals to go.”

Spark said the local humane society also helped when the area north of Prince Albert dealt with wildfires last month, to provide a safe haven for the animals.

“Our community needs us, and we need them,” she said.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow