Grant made to assist SPCA

14 March 2006

Voluntary sector grantmaker ASB Trusts has made a grant of $188,000 to help the SPCA build an education centre at the Animal Village at Mangere.

“The SPCA hosts thousands of visitors through its centre each year and the new addition will enhance the services they already provide,” said ASB Trusts CEO Jennifer Gill, adding that cruelty to animals is now recognised as an indicator of violence toward people.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Bob Kerridge said the $1 million education centre is the culmination of many years of planning.

“The society is very aware of the importance of education as an effective preventative against animal cruelty,” Mr Kerridge said, “and given the fact that over 90% of the cases attended by our inspectors are the direct result of ignorance it is clearly evident that this needs to be seriously addressed.”

“The proposed education centre will have a direct impact on the reduction of cruelty to animals, in addition to teaching children how to respect all living things- - a powerful message for young minds.”

The education centre will include a fully equipped 70 seat auditorium for lectures and “the barn”, where the hands-on experience of handling animals will be promoted.

The ASB Trusts has been a long-term supporter of SPCA Auckland, with a $159,500 grant made to support its work in 1996. The latest grant was part of the trusts’ support for key projects in Auckland and Northland. A total of $4.5 million was this month granted to projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, health and social services areas.

Founded on the sale of shares in the ASB bank, the ASB Trusts has granted more than $400 million since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the ASB Trusts’ website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

ENDS

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