Press release — for immediate release
The SPCA’s Numbers Show the Needs Are Still Great
The Montreal SPCA to launch a matching gifts campaign
Montreal, September 3, 2024 – It’s no secret that, with an uptick in admissions across the province this year, times are tough at animal shelters. The Montreal SPCA, Quebec’s largest animal protection organization, is no exception. In the first six months of 2024, the shelter received 3,271 companion animals who were surrendered by their families, found as strays or injured, or brought in by the authorities. That’s an overall increase of 11% compared to 2023.
Earlier this spring, the SPCA appealed to supporters’ generosity to replenish its coffers so that it would be able to continue helping all the animals in need. One generous individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, answered the request and committed to matching the donations of new monthly donors for one year.
Through September 30, all new monthly donations will be matched
“Our staff works tirelessly at the refuge, and the busy season never seems to end! We are in the process of welcoming over 40 cats, all from the same unsanitary apartment—they are in rough shape…” said Laurence Massé, executive director of the Montreal SPCA. “But I’m so grateful and relieved to be able to count on this donor’s spontaneous, altruistic offer! Her gesture will foster solidarity in the community and definitely help us recruit new monthly donors, who are the backbone of our organization.” Indeed, nearly 70% of the Montreal SPCA’s revenue comes from public donations. Monthly giving allows the shelter to better plan its activities and respond quickly to emergencies. Starting now, all new monthly donations will be matched for one year.
Massé explains: “In other words, if an animal lover signs up for the SPCA’s Monthly Giving Program by September 30 and pledges to donate, say, $25 a month, the anonymous donor will also give us $25 a month all year long!”
The SPCA in numbers: We helped 6,284 animals in the first six months of 2024
An overview of the shelter’s activities from January 1 to June 30, 2024:
- 6,284 animals came through the shelter either for temporary housing or to benefit from one of its programs.
- 1,611 companion animals were surrendered by their families.
- 1,344 animals were found as strays, injured or lost.
- 316 animals were entrusted to the shelter by an emergency service—an increase of 32% compared to last year
- 11,474 medical exams were performed by our veterinary teams—that’s more than 60 per dayThe Montreal SPCA’s Investigations Division handled 4,217 calls from the public concerning animal abuse.
“Our resources are being put to the test, but with the support of our community, we’ll manage,” Massé says.
Current monthly donors are invited to recruit their loved ones to join the Monthly Giving Program. When they do, both parties’ donations will be matched. “If you’ve been thinking of supporting our mission,” Massé says, “now is a great time. Your support for the animals will be doubled for an entire year, without any extra expense to you.”
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Source: Montreal SPCA
Media information:
Tök communications 514-247-0526
Marie-Hélène Avon, mariehelene@tokcommunications.ca
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montréal in 1869, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now better known as the Montreal SPCA) was the first animal-welfare organization in Canada. The SPCA has come a long way since its beginnings and is today the largest animal-protection organization in Québec, speaking on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation or neglect.
