In a year-end interview, President of the Board for the Lloydminster & District SPCA Cameron Anderson says the past year was full of highs and lows.
Anderson said the leaving of Executive Director Jon Punshon was a big moment for the SPCA, and that he was very passionate about his role with the shelter.
“He did a great job. Jon did a great job with us, he learned a lot working here. Now he’s using what he learned with us to help Moose Jaw get their shelter back online and doing what he did for us.” says Anderson.
Anderson adds that at this time, there is no plan to hire a new executive director and that they’re exploring different options.
“The board and I are exploring several different options to possibly go a different direction with that role. We’re looking at things from the inside, and changing things up to be more cost effective and run a little tighter of a ship.”
He says that Punshon did a great job in his role but that there’s always room for improvement now that he’s moved on.
Going into 2019, Anderson says a big priority will be re-working the budget, continuing engagement with the community and moving into a viable new building.
Anderson adds that there’s a number of options when looking for a new building for the shelter,
“We’re working on a plan, we’re going to find out what our options are. If retrofitting is a viable option, and there is a building that will work, then we’ll go that route. If not, we’ll look at building a feasible building. Nothing extravagant, just something that will fill our needs.”
Anderson says that the city and general community have been the shelter’s biggest supporters this year and that it shows how great the community is.
“The community is always there for us, they donate in many different ways. Either volunteering their time or money when they can or food, etc. We live in such a great community that always stands behind whatever charity that there is. It’s not just us that Lloydminster supports. We have a great community.”