Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A recent cold snap has left the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre in Napanee in urgent need of funds for renovations to repair burst water pipes and upgrade insulation so that it can continue to help animals in the community.
Pipes inside the animal centre froze when the temperature dropped in early January. They were repaired, only to freeze again last weekend when temperatures outside dipped to -25°C. For the safety and comfort of animals being cared for at the centre, they were relocated to foster homes and Ontario SPCA animal centres in neighbouring communities. The centre will remain closed until renovations are complete.
The Lennox & Addington Animal Centre is appealing to the public to help cover the costs of repairing the damaged pipes, upgrading insulation and improving the HVAC system to prevent future freeze-ups, at an estimated cost of $10,000. Earlier this week, just over $4,500 was raised for the centre through the Betty White Challenge, but more is still needed to get the facility operational again.
“The health and well-being of the animals in our care is our top priority, which is why these renovations are absolutely essential,” says Esther McCutcheon, manager of the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre. “If you are in a position to give, please consider making a donation to help us continue to help animals in the community.”
The animal centre at 156 Richmond Boulevard East in Napanee was built in 1990 and has not undergone any significant upgrades since construction.
“It’s been running since then without any significant changes,” said McCutcheon. “Things are just aging and they come to a head and something has to be done.”
In those 32 years, the Lennox & Addington Animal Centre has found homes for thousands of animals, adopting an average of 500 dogs, cats, birds and small animals each year. It also works to educate animal caregivers through humane education.
To donate, visit ontariospca.ca.
These puppies, who were born in the care of the OSPCA after they rescued their mother from a shelter in the U.S., are ready to get their paws dirty and bake some cupcakes for National Cupcake Day.
Another opportunity to help out is next month’s National Cupcake Day fundraiser, which is back for a 10th year.
The registration website is now open at nationalcupcakeday.ca.
Leading up to Feb. 28’s National Cupcake Day, participants can whip up some tasty treats and sell them to friends and family and donate the proceeds to the OSPCA. For those who aren’t confectionary gifted, they can always just donate money they would have spent on baking supplies to the shelter.
“The last couple of years have been a challenge because of the closures,” McCutcheon said of recent Cupcake Day fundraisers. “We used to sell at the grocery stores and in schools, but obviously that wasn’t happening. The years before that were really good, we’ll see how things go this year.”
McCutcheon says this year’s fundraiser allows for a lot more flexibility and hopes to make it more accessible for everyone.
“We also look forward to involving at least 10 local businesses in National Cupcake Day celebrations this year to help align with our #pawstosupportlocal, and to help celebrate National Cupcake Day’s 10th anniversary,” said McCutcheon. “Anyone wishing to join in the fun can register for free at nationalcupcakeday.ca or contact me directly at (613) 354-2492 or email emccutcheon@ontariospca.ca.