A generous contribution of $100,000 dollars from an anonymous Vancouver Island donor, in honour of her late beloved dog Murdoch, is adding momentum to the Victoria Humane Society’s fundraising campaign.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Penny Stone, the Victoria Humane Society began operations in November 2013 and announced its fundraising campaign in February 2014.
“Donors are the heart and soul of the Victoria Humane Society,” said Stone. “We are able to do this work because of the support of caring, community-minded people such as this donor, and the others who have contributed to date.”
The society is working to raise $1 million dollars to help secure a 4.5 acre kennel-zoned site in East Sooke. A crowd-funding campaign on YouCaring.com has raised an additional $46,000 to date. As well, people are donating through the society’s Facebook page and through its website, www.victoriahumanesociety.com .
Funds raised will go toward securing the shelter property, to assist with essential site improvement and for animal rescue operations going forward.
In its first four months of operation, the Victoria Humane Society rescued more than 130 dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and rabbits, and has paid more than $50,000 for the animals’ medical care, including spaying and neutering. About 80 per cent of these animals have been adopted out, and the remainder are in caring foster homes.
“We are so appreciative of the confidence these donors are placing in our organization, and for their determination in helping us meet our goals,” Stone said. “The health and happiness of the animals we care for are in our hands and together we can give them the bright and happy futures they deserve.”