Supporters behind a recently-launched GoFundMe campaign are hoping to raise $100,000 to help rebuild the SPCA of Western Quebec, whose Gatineau location burned down in a fire late Monday.
The animal shelter confirmed Wednesday evening that 70 animals perished in the flames. Earlier reports about the blaze said firefighters managed to rescue 12 dogs from the two-storey building in the Aylmer area, but the SPCA’s latest statement said only six were saved.
“The staff and volunteers put their hearts and souls into this organization each and every day,” the shelter said in the release. “To say that the last 30 hours have been difficult and devastating is an understatement.
“There are simply no words to describe our incredible loss and sadness.”
Fire crews were called to the shelter, located at 659 rue Auguste Mondoux, just before 11 p.m. on Monday. They were forced to evacuate when the blaze caused the building to collapse.
No humans were reported injured. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which is estimated to have caused $580,000 in damages.
The SPCA of Western Quebec said it has taken in and cared for “thousands of homeless and discarded animals” over the last 30 years. Those animals came to the shelter from “communities in Quebec, Ontario, Nunavut and the United States” and were “at risk of being euthanized,” the no-kill organization’s statement said.
A self-described “animal lover” set up the online crowdfunding initiative for the SPCA on Tuesday, emphasizing the shelter’s non-profit status.
“It has receives (sic) no government or public funding, simply relying on adoption fees and donations.. I am here to change that,” Samantha Rock said in a statement on the webpage. “As an animal lover myself I started this campaign in hopes to raise money so we can rebuild this SPCA. 100% of donations will be made to the SPCA of western Quebec.”
Around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the GoFundMe campaign had pulled in $5,614.
In its statement, the SPCA said it “greatly appreciates” the “many offers to donate” it has received – and noted monetary contributions can be made directly to the shelter through two links available on the homepage of its website.
“Your donations are welcomed to assist us in caring for our remaining animals going forward and eventually to rebuild our shelter,” said the release.
The statement added the shelter isn’t in a position right now to accept non-monetary donations – like food, crates, leashes and toys – but will provide more information in the coming days about how to donate those kinds of items.
Another public fundraiser in support of the SPCA of Western Quebec – hosted by paddleboard and fitness company Urban Ocean, and two Global Pet Foods locations – has been planned for Sunday, July 8.
Urban Ocean is hosting the fundraiser at its Carleton Place location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Come take your dog for a swim at our waterfront location or enjoy a paddle with your pup,” the fundraiser’s Facebook event page says. “Stand Up Paddle board Rentals are available and doggie lifejackets are being supplied by Global Pet Foods.”
In its release, the SPCA of Western Quebec thanked all those who have offered support in the aftermath of the fire.
“Please know we appreciate your expressions of concern and sadness and feel very grateful for your support. We do see each of your posts, but are not in a position to respond at this time,” the release said. “We ask that you be patient with us, as we are focusing our efforts on caring for the animals who survived and those who remain in foster homes.
“It will take us some time to rebuild, but we will do everything we can to make that happen.”
— With files from The Canadian Press
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