What a great day for a Grand Opening!
Weather was great, cats were active and hot dogs were sizzlin’ at the shelter. Thank you to the community for the great turn out we had. Getting the new facility to the point of being able to show the public what we have has been a lot of work but we made it. We had hot dogs, cake, door prizes, new swag and 50/50.
Congratulations
to Gary Martin for winning the 50/50!
Congratulations
to Shelia Mullin on winning the beautiful stained glass piece, tote and pillow (graciously provided by Donna-Jean and Janie).
A few thank you’s from today:
Thank you to Audrey Sercombe and Dave Theunissen for doing our ribbon cutting. Two very important people in making SVAPL what it is.
Thank you to HLS Services for donating the hot dogs, condiments and chili.
Thank you to Howie Scales, Jodi Stadnick and Bryce Atkinson for running the bbq.
Thank you to Donna-Jean Slack and Janie Coulter for the stained glass piece and tote and pillow prize.
Thank you to the Town of Swan River for the use of the tables and chairs.
Thank you to Shannon for providing the face painting.
Thank you to Holly from CV Designs for setting up a table and selling the new swag.
Thank you to all the members and volunteers that helped out today.
Thank you to the community for showing your support and attending, and touring the new facility.
Thank you to all our Raise the Rescue sponsors. Without you we wouldn’t have what we do.
Finally thank you to Lisa for planning and organizing this whole event.
Overall it was a great day and we couldn’t be happier to have this facility up and running!
Weather was great, cats were active and hot dogs were sizzlin’ at the shelter. Thank you to the community for the great turn out we had. Getting the new facility to the point of being able to show the public what we have has been a lot of work but we made it. We had hot dogs, cake, door prizes, new swag and 50/50.
Congratulations
to Gary Martin for winning the 50/50!
Congratulations
to Shelia Mullin on winning the beautiful stained glass piece, tote and pillow (graciously provided by Donna-Jean and Janie).
A few thank you’s from today:
Thank you to Audrey Sercombe and Dave Theunissen for doing our ribbon cutting. Two very important people in making SVAPL what it is.
Thank you to HLS Services for donating the hot dogs, condiments and chili.
Thank you to Howie Scales, Jodi Stadnick and Bryce Atkinson for running the bbq.
Thank you to Donna-Jean Slack and Janie Coulter for the stained glass piece and tote and pillow prize.
Thank you to the Town of Swan River for the use of the tables and chairs.
Thank you to Shannon for providing the face painting.
Thank you to Holly from CV Designs for setting up a table and selling the new swag.
Thank you to all the members and volunteers that helped out today.
Thank you to the community for showing your support and attending, and touring the new facility.
Thank you to all our Raise the Rescue sponsors. Without you we wouldn’t have what we do.
Finally thank you to Lisa for planning and organizing this whole event.
Overall it was a great day and we couldn’t be happier to have this facility up and running!
Images from our banquet, first one since 2019! Dave Theunissen blessed the meal (AND he was my backup date ), Dave Bettesworth was our MC. Lisa Scales did a FANTASTIC job organizing the banquet once again, and everyone pitched in to help. Everyone had a blast playing the fun games. Thank you to everyone who came out to support SVAPL, and a big thanks to all of our helpers! Sherry was presented with a beautiful Cree Star blanket for her many years of service as president of SVAPL. Carmella Brading was the lucky 50/50 winner!
SVAPL enjoyed a very successful and sold out banquet on September 23, 2017. Everyone had a great time visiting before dinner and checking out the items on the auction tables. Dinner was a delicious meal catered by Verneece Eggie and her crew. Nobody went away hungry!
The Chance Auction table offered a variety of items that had people buying tickets to enter on their favorite choices. The Silent Auction featured larger items donated by Cook Bros. Cartage (20 yards of aggregate), Dave Theunissen (one of his beautiful oil paintings), Sherry Martin (autographed Blue Bombers jersey), Ursula Taylor Gallery (gorgeous wood painting by Ursula), Northern Specialties (dog house), and Fabriculous (soft quilted baby blanket).
The bidding was fierce, but the winners were: 20 yds. aggregate – Shane Unruh; oil painting – Cliff Arlt; wood painting – Rob Buchanan; baby quilt – Julie Gattinger; dog house – Danny Suchoplas; and Bombers Jersey – Linda R. 50/50 tickets went over very well and the big winner was Kevin Sprong. The amount will be determined and he will be presented with a cheque. Holly Urban presented us with a wonderful video featuring some of the challenges we faced with badly injured and abandoned animals this past year. Serenity was one of the featured animals. She is a young cat who was found on the side of the road, starved and near death, with two broken hips and a broken pelvis. She has since had surgery and is recovering beautifully. Another featured girl was Gracie, a pregnant stray dog with a large partially healed burn on her back. She was rescued and gave birth to 7 puppies who were all adopted out by Christmas. Gracie herself was just adopted into her forever home in August! For every heartbreaking story, there is often a very happy ending. The last half of the video featured pictures of many cats and dogs having a great time in their new homes, very loved by their families.
From all of us at SVAPL, a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of the sponsors who helped out in any way to make our banquet successful. The generous donations from our community businesses and individuals is really amazing.
Without all of the help from our volunteers, members and non-members alike, holding a large fundraiser like this wouldn’t be possible. Our employee Lisa Scales and her helper Morgan keep the shelter running smoothly with help from all of our volunteers. Their presence in the community gets the word out there about our organization and the challenges we face, and it definitely generates a lot of interest and support.
Last but most certainly not least, the support and generosity of people who donate, attend our functions, adopt animals, and help in a dozen other ways, is what keeps SVAPL going and allows us to help the animals that we do. The wonderful foster families that we have in place allow us to take in animals with special needs or those desperate for help that we have no space for at the facility. Thanks to all of you special people out there!
The Chance Auction table offered a variety of items that had people buying tickets to enter on their favorite choices. The Silent Auction featured larger items donated by Cook Bros. Cartage (20 yards of aggregate), Dave Theunissen (one of his beautiful oil paintings), Sherry Martin (autographed Blue Bombers jersey), Ursula Taylor Gallery (gorgeous wood painting by Ursula), Northern Specialties (dog house), and Fabriculous (soft quilted baby blanket).
The bidding was fierce, but the winners were: 20 yds. aggregate – Shane Unruh; oil painting – Cliff Arlt; wood painting – Rob Buchanan; baby quilt – Julie Gattinger; dog house – Danny Suchoplas; and Bombers Jersey – Linda R. 50/50 tickets went over very well and the big winner was Kevin Sprong. The amount will be determined and he will be presented with a cheque. Holly Urban presented us with a wonderful video featuring some of the challenges we faced with badly injured and abandoned animals this past year. Serenity was one of the featured animals. She is a young cat who was found on the side of the road, starved and near death, with two broken hips and a broken pelvis. She has since had surgery and is recovering beautifully. Another featured girl was Gracie, a pregnant stray dog with a large partially healed burn on her back. She was rescued and gave birth to 7 puppies who were all adopted out by Christmas. Gracie herself was just adopted into her forever home in August! For every heartbreaking story, there is often a very happy ending. The last half of the video featured pictures of many cats and dogs having a great time in their new homes, very loved by their families.
From all of us at SVAPL, a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of the sponsors who helped out in any way to make our banquet successful. The generous donations from our community businesses and individuals is really amazing.
Without all of the help from our volunteers, members and non-members alike, holding a large fundraiser like this wouldn’t be possible. Our employee Lisa Scales and her helper Morgan keep the shelter running smoothly with help from all of our volunteers. Their presence in the community gets the word out there about our organization and the challenges we face, and it definitely generates a lot of interest and support.
Last but most certainly not least, the support and generosity of people who donate, attend our functions, adopt animals, and help in a dozen other ways, is what keeps SVAPL going and allows us to help the animals that we do. The wonderful foster families that we have in place allow us to take in animals with special needs or those desperate for help that we have no space for at the facility. Thanks to all of you special people out there!
The SVAPL barbecue, held on June 8th at the Fire and Ice parking lot, was a resounding success; with a great turnout on a beautiful summer day. People enjoyed a nice visit in the sunshine over a burger or a hot dog and a cold drink with rice krispie treats for dessert!
A tiny kitten, the only survivor of a litter that lost their momma, was delivered into the care of Lisa Scales, our shelter manager, while we were there. Everyone loved meeting the tiny little creature! Thanks to Lisa and Audrey Sercombe, some of our dogs were able to attend, and they sure didn’t seem to mind any handouts that came their way (the dogs, not Lisa and Audrey)!
Brian and Rob slaved over a hot grill cooking for us, and Kathy and Maggie kept the production line going. Kelsa, Michelle and Kyla looked after getting people their lunch and kept things stocked up. John and Susan were there to give us a hand with anything we needed! Thanks to everyone to helped out in any way.
A big thank you to Howie Scales and his staff at Fire and Ice for letting us use the parking lot, and for picking up tables and chairs for us. Kevin Carter and the Kinsmen Club lent us their grill and propane tanks, plus they delivered, all at no charge! Thanks Kevin! To our sponsors - Valley Meat Packers, Swan Valley Coop, and Extra Foods - who donated some food items or gift cards, thank you so much! And on a hot day, the Westwood Inn kept us cool by donating all the ice!
We are so grateful to everyone that attended and supported us by buying lunch and putting money in our donation jar, and for the donations of dog and cat food that people dropped off. The support shown to us has always been amazing! Thank you! Apologies to anyone I may have missed.
A tiny kitten, the only survivor of a litter that lost their momma, was delivered into the care of Lisa Scales, our shelter manager, while we were there. Everyone loved meeting the tiny little creature! Thanks to Lisa and Audrey Sercombe, some of our dogs were able to attend, and they sure didn’t seem to mind any handouts that came their way (the dogs, not Lisa and Audrey)!
Brian and Rob slaved over a hot grill cooking for us, and Kathy and Maggie kept the production line going. Kelsa, Michelle and Kyla looked after getting people their lunch and kept things stocked up. John and Susan were there to give us a hand with anything we needed! Thanks to everyone to helped out in any way.
A big thank you to Howie Scales and his staff at Fire and Ice for letting us use the parking lot, and for picking up tables and chairs for us. Kevin Carter and the Kinsmen Club lent us their grill and propane tanks, plus they delivered, all at no charge! Thanks Kevin! To our sponsors - Valley Meat Packers, Swan Valley Coop, and Extra Foods - who donated some food items or gift cards, thank you so much! And on a hot day, the Westwood Inn kept us cool by donating all the ice!
We are so grateful to everyone that attended and supported us by buying lunch and putting money in our donation jar, and for the donations of dog and cat food that people dropped off. The support shown to us has always been amazing! Thank you! Apologies to anyone I may have missed.
ANOTHER SVAPL BANQUET SOLD OUT!
Murray Wenstob was invited to give the blessing before the meal commenced. The crowd enjoyed a most delicious meal complete with sumptuous desserts, catered by Verneece Eggie and her wonderful crew!
Guests caught their first glimpse of the SVAPL First Responders calendars, featuring the RCMP, Ambulance, and Fire personnel. These calendars will be on sale in various locations around Swan River as well.
Holly Urban’s video presentation was wonderful, showcasing stories of adopted animals. These stories were graciously submitted by their owners and reminded the crowd how big of an impact these furry creatures can have on your life. The video also featured what it takes to run the shelter and keep our doors open. The main take home message was it takes PEOPLE…a network of people! Community support is something SVAPL cherishes and continues to work hard in recruiting volunteers, resourcing funds for operating costs and building the network of consistent supporters.
Guests caught their first glimpse of the SVAPL First Responders calendars, featuring the RCMP, Ambulance, and Fire personnel. These calendars will be on sale in various locations around Swan River as well.
Holly Urban’s video presentation was wonderful, showcasing stories of adopted animals. These stories were graciously submitted by their owners and reminded the crowd how big of an impact these furry creatures can have on your life. The video also featured what it takes to run the shelter and keep our doors open. The main take home message was it takes PEOPLE…a network of people! Community support is something SVAPL cherishes and continues to work hard in recruiting volunteers, resourcing funds for operating costs and building the network of consistent supporters.
Some of the young volunteers, including Dustin and Morgan, regulars at the shelter, were also introduced.
The Chance Auction and Raffle table were a huge success, thanks to generous donations from the local businesses and individuals. The lucky winners of the Chance Auction walked away with some generous gift baskets filled with a variety of items. The Raffle featured a beautiful quilt, a large Avon gift basket full of product and a large framed Beatles picture and concert tickets. The lucky winner of the 50/50 draw was Jon Fleming; who also lucked out in the Silent Auction, walking away with a large insulated dog house, as well as 20 yards of aggregate.
The Chance Auction and Raffle table were a huge success, thanks to generous donations from the local businesses and individuals. The lucky winners of the Chance Auction walked away with some generous gift baskets filled with a variety of items. The Raffle featured a beautiful quilt, a large Avon gift basket full of product and a large framed Beatles picture and concert tickets. The lucky winner of the 50/50 draw was Jon Fleming; who also lucked out in the Silent Auction, walking away with a large insulated dog house, as well as 20 yards of aggregate.
A huge thanks to all of the people who worked so hard decorating, setting up, and working at the banquet; without them the banquet would not be possible.
A big thank you to Maggie Romak and others, for sitting at Extra Foods for days selling banquet and 50/50 tickets. Everyone’s contributions never go unseen and SVAPL and the animals all thank you for another successful fundraising event. |
SVAPL Hosts Successful Soup and Bun Luncheon
The homemade soup smelled and tasted fabulous! There was a huge array of yummy desserts.
Folks had a good visit, and Ellen Kennedy couldn’t resist singing to Rhonda Rusk’s grandbaby, our youngest attendant who is all of 3 months old!
Thanks to Maggie Romak for selling our 50/50 tickets. The lucky winner, Janelle Garden of Winnipeg, won $360.50.
SVAPL would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated soup, buns, desserts and supplies, it was greatly appreciated. The lunch wouldn’t be possible without it.
SVAPL would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated soup, buns, desserts and supplies, it was greatly appreciated. The lunch wouldn’t be possible without it.
Watershed ProjectWeather like today makes it feel like spring is around the corner. With spring, comes water.... water is something SVAPL volunteers will never take for granted.
On December 28th 2015, SVAPL poured their first pail of running water from the new Water Shed Building partially sponsored through the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries - Small Capital Sponsorship Program towards the close to $20,000 project. Many may not know, but SVAPL’s facility never had running water until this year. This caused a problem as the workload involved to care for the animals far exceeded what our volunteers could contribute. This meant that every drop of water utilized for drinking and washing at the facility was either hauled by jugs transported from volunteer’s homes, collected through rain barrels, or hauled using small transfer tanks and/troughs. When it came to washing, water was heated in kettles to wash dishes, to clean kennels or to bath animals. One can imagine how having limited water supply at an animal shelter could add to the workload, especially come winter. Now with the newly built “Water Shed”, the facility has upgraded to having their own washing area, outdoor taps, laundry and toilet! This is a giant step forward for the organization. This project benefits the entire community by ensuring sustainability of our volunteers and organization so SVAPL can continue with their mission to protect, shelter and promote the adoption of homeless animals. |
SVAPL Hosts Another Sold Out Banquet - 2015
Bernice Gordon and her helpers worked hard decorating the hall to perfection with beautiful table settings and flower arrangements around the room in fall colors.
During the cocktail hour, the crowd was treated to some great guitar tunes played by Marc Provencher.
The video presentation, beautifully done by Holly Urban, was a huge success; showcasing adopted animals and their stories. Part of the video was narrated and the crowd heard touching stories from the new owners about how much adopting an animal changed their lives, and the lives of the animal. |
Pictured Above: The Museum Cat
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There weren’t too many dry eyes in the crowd by the time it was over! The video was dedicated to the memory of Lisa (Potten) Chan whose love for animals was well known by those who knew her.
Tom Stradwick, the President of SVAPL, and his wife Nancy, will moving this week to New Brunswick. Nancy was also the secretary for SVAPL for a time. So the volunteers had a special group photo done during the evening with Tom and Nancy as a wonderful remembrance of his time with us.
Tom was presented with a beautiful set of glass mugs etched with the SVAPL symbol as a keepsake. The group will miss them!
SVAPL would like to express their deep gratitude to everyone who supported the banquet this year, individuals and businesses alike.
SVAPL would like to express their deep gratitude to everyone who supported the banquet this year, individuals and businesses alike.
Thanks everyone!