SPCA needs help to spruce up its building

Whangarei SPCA centre team leader Andrea Honeybun is appealing for local businesses to help paint the organisation's building. Photo/John Stone

The Whangarei SPCA is calling on the local community to help rejuvenate its tired building.

The paint on the exterior walls is peeling, the sign's almost completely faded and the roof is covered in lichen, Whangarei SPCA centre team leader Andrea Honeybun said.

"I thought maybe a local company would like to donate their time and materials to help us. We have cleaned and looked after the building, but it now needs repainting, since it hasn't be done in 12 years. You've got to keep up maintenance on your buildings," she said.

Whangarei SPCA doesn't get any council funding, "We are a charitable organisation which relies on donations and help from the community," Ms Honeybun said.

Ongoing costs for the clinic have just increased recently, with the extension of the Whangarei district boundaries to include the Brynderwyns, Kaipara Harbour, Dargaville, Kaikohe and Cape Brett.

"Around 3000 animals are brought to our centre annually, and each year we investigate around 900 animal abuse complaints. Our inspectors are on call 24/7 for investigation of animal cruelty and neglect and accidents and emergencies," Ms Honeybun said.

"The more money we spend on buildings the less we have to spend on the animals - we are looking for the community to help us."

The Whangarei SPCA would be happy to post any sponsor company's name and branding online, on the sponsor board in the centre, as well as erect a sign outside the Kioreroa Rd building. "There's a lot of ways they can get great advertising for them," Ms Honeybun said.

Businesses able to help can contact the Whangarei SPCA on 438 9161.