Today, the GSPCA marked a major milestone in its 152-year history with the laying of the first brick for the new Wildlife Hospital, part of the ongoing #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal.
In front of a wonderful crowd of supporters, team members, trustees, and those involved in the build, GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne welcomed guests with a reception in the shelter’s training room. He shared reflections on the charity’s legacy, including over 90 years at the current site, and the many challenges overcome to reach this exciting moment.
Steve expressed heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the appeal so far, including those involved in the build and the many kind donors who have helped raise nearly half of the £3.7 million needed. He noted that the true cost would be significantly higher without the generosity of the community.
Following the reception, guests donned high-vis jackets and hard hats and made their way to the Wildlife Hospital foundations, where Steve surprised Yvonne Chauvel with the honour of laying the first brick. Yvonne, who celebrates 30 years of service with the GSPCA, is the charity’s longest-serving staff member and has played a vital role in helping tens of thousands of animals, supporting the team, and assisting the public.
Yvonne Chauvel shared:
“I was completely overwhelmed and honoured to be asked to lay the first brick. The GSPCA has been such a huge part of my life, and to be part of this historic moment means the world to me. I’ve seen so much change over the years, and this new Wildlife Hospital will make an incredible difference for the animals and the team. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
After the ceremony, Steve shared details about the layout of the new Wildlife Hospital, including plans for aviaries, seal pools, and other specialist facilities. He also thanked Brent Green, Managing Director of Breton, and his team for their incredible support throughout the project.
Guests were then invited on a behind-the-scenes tour of the GSPCA, including updates on the kennel build and ferret unit, which are also part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal.
The GSPCA continues to appeal for support in various ways:
- Buy a Brick to leave a lasting legacy
- Sponsor a Room in the new Wildlife Hospital
- Make a Donation to help fund construction and supplies
- Support Green Energy: The GSPCA is exploring solar power and air source heat pumps. A donation of £65,000 would fund solar panels, helping reduce monthly electricity costs and the shelter’s carbon footprint.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, added:
“Today marks a truly historic moment for the GSPCA. To see the first brick laid by Yvonne, who has given so much to this charity and the animals of Guernsey, was incredibly moving. She had no idea as we kept it a surprise and the tears of joy and surprise showed how much it meant to her. We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped us get this far. There’s still a long way to go, but with continued support, we can build a facility that will serve animals and our community for generations to come.”
To support the appeal or learn more, visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To see our youtube channel and VT's from todays event please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Half Term October/November 2025 Possible Spooky Tours to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Tuesday 11th November 2025 - Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 18th November 2025 - Ref – Cat30/10 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Careers and Skills Show 2025 19/20 November https://www.careers.gg/article/202061/Careers-and-Skills-Show-2025
- Christmas Term December 2025/January 2026 Possible Festive Tours
- GSPCA Purple Week 13th February to Friday 20th February 2026
- GSPCA Celebrates 143 years Saturday 14th February 2026
- Love Your Pet Day Friday 20th February 2026
- Half Term Tours February 2026 To be confirmed
- World Wildlife Day 3rd March 2026
- International Day of the Seal 22nd March 2026
- National Puppy Day 23rd March 2026
- Easter Tours March/April 2026 To be confirmed
- National Ferret Day 2nd April 2026
- Dog First Aid Course Wednesday 15th April 2026
- Cat First Aid Course Wednesday 29th April 2026
- Possible Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Possible Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course Thursday 12th November 2026
- Cat First Aid Course Thursday 26th November 2026
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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