Becoming ‘optimistic’

If donations keep coming in, Thunder Bay and District Humane Society officials are hopeful they can keep the animal shelter open into the New Year.

“We’ve moved from cautiously optimistic to optimistic,” said executive director Maryann Kleynendorst, adding they are still searching for another $9,000 per month to cover their $180,000 deficit.

Since announcing their fear of having to close their doors by year’s end on Nov. 4, the Humane Society has received $50,000 in general donations and $6,000 through their pre-authorized debit program.

Kleynendorst said the debit program will bring stability to the shelter by giving them a predictable cash flow. If they are able to remain open past December and the program is successful, they won’t be wondering every two weeks if they can make their payroll.

She said the uncertainty of the future is taking its toll on the staff.

“Especially around Christmastime, people are wondering if they should be looking for jobs,” she said, adding the Humane Society is an emotional business.

“When the decision came, that yes, we are facing closure, it knocked the wind out of us a little bit,” Kleynendorst said.

They’re also on the fence as to whether they should accept more animals into the shelter when their future is up in the air. The shelter currently has eight dogs, but has the capacity to hold another 20.

Kleynendorst said they’ll be examining their financial situation to see what came in over the weekend and then making a decision later in the week about whether to take on more animals.

There are still more donations coming with more third parties holding fundraisers, including St. Patrick High School, which will be donating the proceeds from its Christmas-themed Wizard of Oz production, held Dec. 14 and 15, to the Humane Society.

And they received another $1,000 Monday morning from four Valley Central Public School students.

Emily Boyko, Olivia Coy, Aja Mayer and Tricia Wakefield started a fundraiser at their school and petitioned some local businesses to donate to the shelter.

“People donated $1 and they received a friendship in and our thank you,” said Boyko, 11.
With the pin sales alone, they raised $255.88.

Mayer, 11, had the idea to help out after hearing in the news about the Humane Society’s plight. She asked her teacher if they could sell the pins.

“We all like the Humane Society,” she said. “It’s a place that everyone loves and we all have some connection there.”
Kleynendorst said the donation from the four friends is an indicator of the amount of support they have in the community.

“There’s a true love for animals in this town,” she said. “People see a need for our service both in terms of animal welfare and animal sheltering.”

To donate, visit the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society website www.tbayhumane.ca or call 475-8803.