Rotorua's SPCA centre has received a financial reprieve - a house bequeathed to the organisation by a local man.
The organisation knows little about Michael Nuttall who bequeathed his three-bedroom brick home in Gear St. It will be auctioned this month and every year the SPCA will receive a percentage of the interest made from the sale.
It costs the SPCA in Rotorua at least $200,000 annually for power, water, food, wages, vet fees and petrol.
Manager Nicola Martin said anything received from the sale would be appreciated and would provide the struggling organisation with an annual income.
"This is the second home bequeathed to the SPCA in the past 10 years and we are absolutely speechless. It's a continous financial struggle every year and we are extremely grateful for the generous offer," Ms Martin said.
The organisation had not received details about Mr Nuttall but was extremely grateful to him.
The funding injection would help cover the costs of a range of future plans including further facility maintenance and buying a new vehicle, as well as hiring another staff member.
A cat quarantine area was at the top of the priority list, Ms Martin said.
"It's cat season and there are a high number of kittens being born at the SPCA as we speak. It would be ideal to have a quarantine area to prevent any sickness spreading among the cats.
"We are very fortunate to have received such a beautiful home and hope people bid generously in the hopes that we can improve our services for all animals in the community."
There are about 50 cats and 20 dogs, plus three rabbits, four cockatiels, one turtle and a canary currently at the Rotorua SPCA. The centre relies on community donations and voluntary work and has just one vehicle to run its 24-hour emergency service for injured animals. The centre also deals with complaints of animal cruelty.
Ms Martin is hopeful the Gear St home will sell.
The house will have a starting bid of $180,000.
"The home holds a lot of potential for those who wish to live in a quiet area and has well-established gardens and fencing."
"It's difficult when we can't show our gratitude or say thank you in cases like this, but we will do our best to fulfill their request and make sure all funds we receive contribute towards providing the best care for the animals."
Residential sales and marketing specialist Glenn Austin of Wakelin Real Estate Limited said the home would be ideal for first-home buyers and was a good starting point for renovations.
The first open home for 7 Gear St will be held on Sunday between 2.30pm and 3pm. For more information or a lim report contact Glenn on 0800 485512 or email www.glennaustin.co.nz.
Lifeline for city's struggling SPCA
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