The Saskatchewan SPCA has launched a new 50/50 campaign to raise money for an Emergency Animal Care Centre. Spokesperson Josh Hourie says the ‘There to Care” 50/50 aims to raise $300,000, half of which will go toward construction of the building.

Construction has already begun on the $2.1 million project near Asquith.  So far, just over $1.2 million has been raised.  Hourie explains that the Emergency Animal Care Centre will provide animals in need with temporary care. “This could be a matter of domestic violence situations, so individuals who are escaping a situation of violence, we would provide safe keeping for their animals. It could be someone who is taking an unexpectedly long stay in the hospital, and they just need a safe place for their pets, we would provide care in those situations, as well.” He says they will also care for pets seized or surrendered during animal cruelty investigations, as well as those whose families are escaping natural disasters like fires and floods.

The care facility would be the first of its kind in the country. “We do know that there are other shelters or humane societies that have a safe keeping program. There are some rescue groups that may do the hospital care program, but really there’s no facility, as far as we know, that will do all three.”

The deadline to purchase 50/50 tickets is Sunday, March 16th. Tickets can be purchased online at saskspca.ca/lottery, by phone at 1.877.382.7722, or by e-transfer to lottery@saskspca.ca. Those paying by e-transfer must also email their name, address, phone number, and the number of tickets they want.

If the public wishes to donate to the Saskatchewan SPCA other than through the 50/50, they are still eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt until the end of February for the 2024 tax year. That deadline usually comes in December, but it was prolonged due to the Canada Post Strike.