Humane Society asks for community support

Cathie Hosken and her team manage the Simcoe & District Humane Society, currently operating from two trailers in Simcoe until their new building is finished… with no finish line in sight. Hosken is asking the community for help. 

Alex Hunt

Advocate Correspondent

Simcoe & District Humane Society struggles with unfinished shelter, mounting bills and surge in animals

With donations down and construction stalled, the Simcoe & District Humane Society says it needs urgent help to finish its building and cover rising animal care costs.

“We need money from the community. I’m sorry to say it that way, but money is important I can’t pay for medications… the staff going back to school in September, we will be bare bones,” said Cathie Hosken, president of the Simcoe & District Humane Society.

“In September we are going to start a building fund and promote the new facility project, but how can I do that when I have all these animals that need work?”

She says the Simcoe and District Humane Society has just been trying to survive at this point.

“It doesn't matter where you are, if you come to this shelter or e-transfer, we will accept anything. Once we have donations, it will be going to this building. I have $300 in the bank right now, that’s it.”

The humane society is working with suppliers to try to secure leftover roofing materials. The project was originally supposed to be finished in spring of 2020. Construction delays and low finances have led to progress stalling.

Hosken says she needs extra support. Her hands are full caring for the animals.

“People can’t afford to eat and if people can’t afford to feed their children, then how are they going to take on a dog? We need to be prepared for this, and I thought we were, but nobody is prepared for it,” said Hosken. “The number of animals that have needed us is very high, we only take emergencies now for the sick, dying and injured. They cost money but I’m not going to let them suffer.

“We can survive in the trailers but along with this (construction delay) donations are way down. For fundraising we are used to going out to events and receiving $1,500, now we’re bringing $200 or $300,” said Hosken.

Hosken said they have to insulate the walls, along with installing electrical and plywood… if funds are present. She says they need $50,000 to finish the walls and about $10,000 for the supports that still need to be installed.