Photo: Ralph, AID 188363
Donations needed before mass migration of animals in two weeks
In just two weeks, hundreds of rescued, rehabilitated and recovering animals currently housed at RSPCA South Australia's Lonsdale shelter will become the very first residents of the organisation's new animal care campus at O'Halloran Hill.
The purpose-built facility on the corner of South and Majors Roads incorporates the state's first dedicated wildlife hospital and represents a new era for animal welfare and care in South Australia. But the state's leading animal welfare organisation is facing a funding shortfall ahead of the upcoming mass migration and has today launched "On the Move", a campaign aiming to raise half a million dollars in five days.
RSPCA SA CEO Marcus Gehrig said the original budget had risen to $28m as a consequence of unforeseeable increasing costs of materials and labour, leaving insufficient funds to complete some final work on the site.
"We've had to cover a shortfall of $2.68m, and our incredibly big-hearted community has so far helped us raise just over $1.7m," Mr Gehrig said.
"We still have a bit to go, and this five-day campaign to raise half a million - if successful - will get us more than halfway there and ensure we're set up and ready for the animals coming from our shelter."
The On the Move campaign urgently needs to raise funds for a range of purposes, including:
- Construction and furnishing of dog enrichment (play) yards
- Upgrading of critical veterinary equipment such as humidicribs and anaesthesia machines
- New beds and new food and water bowls for the dog suites and cat condos
- New toys and treats to help animals settle into their new homes
- New, high-volume animal food storage containers
- New animal food transport trolleys
"We want the welcome mat to be well and truly out for our animals, and while we're bringing what we can from the old shelter, the reality is that almost all of it is worn out, broken or obsolete," Mr Gehrig said.
"From the road, all the buildings might look finished, but it's those last details inside that we need help to cover the cost of, including creature comforts that will make the transition to their new home as seamless and soothing as possible for our animals.
"We're on the home stretch for this game-changing facility, and we want to hit the ground running when our first animals move in, in just two weeks' time.
"We're asking all South Australians to please consider making a donation during these five days, no matter how big or small.
"Every single dollar will help us at this incredibly exciting time in RSPCA SA's almost 150-year history.
"This will truly be a haven for animals in need, including our precious wildlife, and every South Australian who supports our work for our state's most vulnerable animals should feel proud of the part they've played in getting this built.
"Its existence reflects the very best of human qualities within our community - kindness, compassion, perseverance and empathy."
Donations can be made online: www.rspcaonthemove.org.au
