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The GSPCA used its 135th annual general meeting to appeal for help to raise the remaining funds necessary for its new wildlife hospital project after experiencing its busiest year for wildlife in 2021.
Around £300,000 has been raised for the project so far through initiatives such as a buy a brick scheme and a drive for a new seal room as well as other smaller donations.
New designs for the proposed wildlife hospital were unveiled at the meeting on Thursday evening. The new designs which were shared at the meeting can be viewed by clicking HERE.
GSPCA President John Knight said the charity hopes to start the build “as soon as we possibly can” and that discussions were well underway with DLM Architects.
The wildlife hospital would be the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the Channel Islands.
“Given how busy we are with wildlife, it is important to get the facilities up to scratch,” said Mr Knight.
He said the GSPCA helped “over 2,700 wild animals last year - the highest ever number”.
Pictured: The proposed wildlife hospital would have numerous environmental features, including a roof-mounted solar array.
The meeting heard that the covid-19 pandemic had hit the GSPCA's revenue over the past two years - for example, less income has been raised through boarding animals.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne recognised the challenges brought about by covid-19, but said “with our amazing team and wonderful community we can now once again look to the future”.
Mr Byrne reiterated the importance of raising funds for the new wildlife hospital.
"The number of animals coming through our doors in the past year justifies the need," he said.
He also thanked his colleagues and all supporters of the organisation. "We are so thankful to all that ensure we carry out our 24/7 work," he said.
Mr Byrne said there are many ways for the public to support the work of the GSPCA, including taking out annual membership, buying items off its Amazon Wish List and leaving a donation in a will.
"We are blessed each year from those that remember us as a gift in their will," he said. This allows a person to leave a legacy to animals in the island.
Mr Knight added: “We have to thank all that support our work and what we do.
"We couldn’t do so much without all and everyone involved in making the GSPCA such a special place and organisation - helping the community in so many ways and thousands of animals."
He said the GSPCA was "working with hundreds of organisations and educating about animal welfare and sharing important messages to islanders to care for their pets”.
To make a direct donation to the wildlife hospital, click HERE.
To buy a brick in the new wildlife hospital, click HERE.
Larger donors or companies may want to become an exclusive build partner and more information about this is available by clicking HERE.
To see the new designs for the wildlife hospital, click HERE.
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