One area animal shelter is close to achieving its goal of raising $80,000 by year’s end.
Currently at $60,000, if the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York can raise an additional $20,000 by December 31, it will be able to get $115,000 in matching grant funds. Executive Director Nick Lapresi told Finger Lakes News Radio the money is needed for vital renovation work to its Auburn facility, including replacing the site’s aging kennels and creating a new clinic.
“Our kennels are 70 years old and it’s time to get them retired so we’re going to be installing brand new kennels for all the dogs,” Lapresi said. “We’re also going to be putting in a brand new clinic, a new surgery room, so we’re going to be able to have a designated area as a surgery ward.”
The new kennels will be larger than the current ones and feature soundproofing. The new clinic will not only be able to serve shelter animals but also provide services such as spaying and neutering for animals in the community.
A backup generator and two HVAC systems will also be installed, as well as new siding and insulation for the entire building.
The SPCA hit a setback in August when funds sent to the group were stolen from its mailbox, leaving the shelter needing $60,000 in October. Lapresi said the community has since come out to support the shelter, though.
“To be on the cusp of that last $20,000, I think speaks dividends to the community stepping forward,” Lapresi continued. “I just appreciate the community coming forward and helping us with this goal, and I know together that we’re going to make this happen.”
If you’d like to help the organization reach its fundraising goal, donations can be made online or in person. The SPCA has since installed a lockbox, allowing the group to continue accepting donations through the mail.