Taking in more than 3,000 animals a year, RSPCA ACT relies on the generosity of their donors and the community to run the shelter and keep the ACT’s animals safe and well.
Now, off the back of the year that was 2020, RSPCA ACT is appealing to the Canberra community to get behind this year’s Cupcake Day fundraiser as the shelter creeps towards its “critical” capacity.
CEO Michelle Robertson says the shelter needs to meet its Cupcake Day fundraising target of $35,000, with registrations for the sweet fundraiser down from last year’s numbers.
“We can’t provide all of the services that we provide if it’s not for our community support,” she says.
“[The animals] need medical care, they need love, they need to be rehabilitated, need to learn how to trust humans again. And all of that takes time.”
Ms Robertson says RSPCA ACT got through 2020 “by the grace of our donors” but has recently been seeing a higher-than-average number of animals coming into the shelter for various reasons, many of them in need of medical care.
“It places so much pressure on the system,” Ms Robertson says. “The more unwell they are, the longer they stay here.”
As well, the shelter is contending with ageing facilities and is awaiting news from the ACT Government on promised funds for much-needed upgrades, hopeful for a windfall in the upcoming Territory Budget.
Still, the work of the RSPCA team continues, with around 180 animals currently receiving the very best love and care, with some awaiting their forever families.
Canberrans are encouraged to host a Cupcake Day fundraiser on Monday 16 August, or anytime during the month, to support the shelter’s day-to-day operations and the animals in need of some extra TLC.
“I think it’ll make us feel a bit better,” says Ms Robertson. “Life is not fantastic at the moment [with COVID-19.] But we always have cupcakes!”
Register, donate and find sweet recipes at rspcacupcakeday.com.au
