The Swift Current SPCA is currently issuing a call for new board members and volunteers to help them meet their ongoing annual challenges on the financial front.
While the SPCA board not only needs to raise about 80 per cent of its annual revenue needs, they have the equally pressing need for people with the time and skills to move the organization forward.
The group is actively seeking new volunteer board members with skills and experience in areas such as bookkeeping/finance, management, planning, human resources and infrastructure/maintenance as well as an interest in animal welfare.
“We do not have an Executive Director position so that means the Board is quite hands-on with issues like human resources, building and maintenance issues, and some programs such as our foster program, in addition to setting policy,” explained current President Susan McLaughlin.
The SPCA operates with between nine to 15 members on their operational board, and they anticipate that both the President and Treasurer positions will need to be filled in March 2018.
“The SPCA President position has functions such as chairing the monthly meetings, preparing the board package, chairing membership meetings, helping the board develop or revise policies, meeting with Shelter Operations Manager, City of Swift Current, Sask SPCA, and othher provincial SPCAs/Humane Societies, helping set the annual budget and providing leadership during major initiatives”, McLaughlin noted.
The time commitment varies depending on the position taken, but it will involve at minimum attending monthly Board meetings, some committee work and the ability to work at some of the SPCA’s events. Anyone interested in a board position or assuming either the President or Treasurer duties should contact McLaughlin at 306-741-5678.
The Swift Current SPCA is embarking on a pair of major initiatives in order to help ensure their financial stability and a secure future in the community. They are putting plans in place to construct a Pet Crematorium as an added community service and revenue generator for the SPCA. They are also gearing up for a renovation of the existing Shelter structure, which is experiencing significant decay due to its age and heavy usage. In order to help the board move these initiatives forward, a new SPCA President should have some business background, and strong community connections.
On the event/fundraising side, opportunities for volunteers range from a very casual to more regular involvement, including volunteers for the SPCA Bookstore, ticket and merchandise sales at events, concession and BBQ helpers, loading/unloading and setup for events, helping with kids’ activities and sparkle tattoo application. Each month volunteers are provided with a listing of the available shifts for the month and can respond with what fits their schedules.
“New volunteers often think of helping at the shelter- walking dogs and that kind of thing”, noted SPCA Development Officer Teresa Cole. “We do have people help us that way, but the larger need is actually in assisting us with those events that help raise money for our operations.”
The Swift Current SPCA is inviting interested individuals to attend their October 16 member meeting. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Meadows Board Room. Anyone interested in taking a paid membership and attending these twice-yearly member meetings to learn more about the SPCA and how to get involved can do so by getting a membership form at the shelter or online at http://spcaswiftcurrent.com/about-us/become-a-member/
