WEYBURN - The Weyburn Humane Society kicked off a ‘brick-by-brick’ fundraiser to help support their new shelter, after receiving a generous $250,000 donation from the estate of Violet Delrose Moore on Thursday night.
“We need a new shelter, and that needs money. This donation will allow us to take a major step towards a long-awaited project - a new animal shelter,” said Randy Bakaluk, president of the Humane Society.
Violet’s niece Danna Kopec, and her husband Jim, presented the $250,000 donation from the estate of Violet Delrose Moore.
“Violet was a lover of all animals, especially her dogs. She always wanted the best for all animals, and is now having her wishes fulfilled by a posthumous donation,” said Bakaluk.
“This was not the first donation that the shelter received from her estate. Since 2010, we have received $500 a month to go towards shelter expenses.”
“This most recent donation has been specifically set for the building of a new shelter,” added Bakaluk.
In April of this year, the City of Weyburn has agreed to lease a city-owned parcel of land to the Weyburn Humane Society for $1 a year for two years, so they can build a new animal shelter. The land is located at 1810 East Avenue, and is kitty-corner to the Southeast Cornerstone board office.
“We will be buying a building shell, which is on order presently,” said Bakaluk. “The Weyburn Humane Society has decided to celebrate this occasion by announcing our new build campaign, to raise funds for the new shelter.”
“We wanted this campaign to give everyone in the city a different way of donating towards the new shelter. Besides being a major donor like Violet was, this campaign will be composed of three components. First, we are seeking naming sponsorship of the different areas, or items, inside the new shelter. Your name will be permanently placed in the lobby wall.”
“Secondly, is the new buy-a-brick program, where residents can donate $100 and their name will also be placed on the lobby wall. Thirdly, residents can be a monthly supporter, and donate a monthly portion towards the Humane Society. There is no set amount, as it is what the donor can afford, and every penny counts towards the operation of our program.”
“The new shelter building will significantly impact the lives of many animals, and the many people who share the love of those animals,” added Bakaluk.
More information on the new shelter, and how to continue to support the Weyburn Humane Society, is available on their website and Facebook page.
The Humane Society will be responsible for the costs of utility connections at the new shelter and they will need to carry their own insurance. They will not have to pay the property taxes during the two years as the land is city-owned.
