Submitted by Steve on 17:27, 17th Apr, 2015 | 0

Yesterday we held a land mark event at the GSPCA.

For the first time in our 142 year history we celebrated the Topping Out of the biggest build project in our long history.

Mrs Lynda Walker, wife of our patron Lieutenant Governor Peter Walker, was the guest of honour to the event.

The GSPCA Trustees and team also invited supporters, local press and Build Partners to the Topping Out Ceremony.

Staff greeted the visitors at the front of the Shelter who were directed to the Event and Training Room where the guests met the GSPCA Committee and team members as well as a few puppies that are in for a home whilst enjoying drinks supplied kindly by Bucktrouts.

Once all the guests arrived GSPCA President John Knight and GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne thanked the guests for attending and gave a short talk about the importance of the new build and the work carried out 24 hours 7 days a week by the GSPCA and thanked them for their much needed and vital support.

All attending then moved outside to the front of the GSPCA reception and new build where Steve Byrne GSPCA Manger talked about the new facility and how it was designed to help ensure all animals received the best of care and also how it would become an area that during opening hours the public could visit and view many of the animals in need of a home.

The new facility replaces 5 buildings around our wonderful site on Rue des Truchots which will help house and care for thousands of animals every year and be a structure that will help serve the local community.

Below the new build two ribbons were ready for Mrs Lynda Walker and Susan Trebert from Intertrust who was the lucky Build Partner to help unveil the beautiful weather vane, designed and crafted locally by Bruce Russell to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.

The weather vein takes centre stage on the roof of the new build which includes our founding year of 1873 and a cat who together will let us know which way the wind blows.

The gathered crowd included GSPCA staff, volunteers, committee, local vets, Bruce RussellBuild Partnersstaff from Bucktroutslocal press and puppies Pablo, Harry and Lenny who are in need of a home stood witness to this prestigous event.

As the veil fell from the weather vein a round of applause was given and everyone was thanked for supporting the day and Mrs Lynda Walker was presented with a pose of flowers by GSPCA staff member Sarah Ozanne, which was kindly donated by The Buttonhole. 

Some of the guests then took the opportunity to have pictures with the puppies in front of the new multi purpose animal welfare building, whilst others were shown the facilities of the Animal Shelter in St Andrews where we currently have just short of 300 animals in our care.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "A huge thank you to everyone that supported, donated and attended yesterdays land mark event here at the GSPCA where we celebrated the Topping Out of our much needed multi purpose animal welfare building."

"We are desperately trying to raise funds towards this and our 10 year redevelopment plan, as well as the £2000 a day it takes to run the GSPCA Animal Shelter here in St Andrews."

GSPCA Weather Vein topping out Guernsey Animal Shelter

"It was wonderful to meet and show many of our Build Partners the new facility and how it is progressing with the roof now complete and the weather vein which is absolutely stunning making a wonderful centre piece to the much needed facility."  

"It was a joy to show and talk to Mrs Lynda Walker about our plans and how they are progressing and both Mrs Walker and Susan Trebert from Intertrust did a marvellous job unveiling our beautiful weather vein."

"We are still seeking support with our Build Partner scheme and donations towards this £1.3 million project and every penny will help animals and cats like Daisy who was brought in by our welfare officer and needed surgery on her eyes, as well as Rubin who was brought in as a stray covered in cuts, bites and other injuries."

"We are hoping to have the new build mostly completed by the summer, but without support we will not be able to finish all of the areas of the new build and are appealing for support and donations."

"When we do have the official opening we will of course invite all of our Build Partners and its by no means too late to sign up and be part of our future and this wonderful facility that will really make a difference to animals lives and the local community."

"We would love individuals and businesses to join us in this partnership which enables us to build a structure that will really make a difference 24 hours a day 7 days a week and replace many buildings which date back to the 1950's."

"Thank you again to everyone involved and that attended our Topping Out Ceremony."

Below are details about the Build Partner scheme or you can donate in other ways such as:

GSPCA Weather Vein topping out Guernsey Animal Shelter puppies

Calling: 01481 257261

By post or popping in the Shelter: GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD

Our Just Giving Page by clicking here.

If you would like to know more please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or email [email protected]

To see pictures from the event please click here.

The new build is the first phase of our 10 year Rebuild and Redevelopment Plan.

With over 140 years of helping animals in Guernsey and being based at our current location since 1929, the GSPCA provides around the clock care and rescue at the Animal Shelter in St. Andrews.

The Shelter has had many developments over the years moving with the times to help the varied species that come through the door.  Some of the structures date back to the 1950s and are becoming difficult to run and maintain.  The team at the GSPCA and its Managing Committee have been working hard planning for the future.

The new welfare building will help provide a safe haven for animals like Daisy, a cat brought into the GSPCA byDoris GSPCA Guernsey cat our Welfare Officer with multiple eye problems only a few weeks ago.  Daisy has now had an operation on her eyes, and with the care of the team at the GSPCA she will soon be in a loving new home.

It will also help cats like Rubin who was brought in as a stray cover in wounds and bites and is now under veterinary care at the GSPCA.

When complete the new building will comprise of a two floor structure that will have multi-purpose use including welfare cattery, quarantine, isolation, animal reception, laundry, electrical substation and more.

It is without doubt the biggest project we have undertaken at the GSPCA.  It is an essential but costly undertaking and to go hand in hand with this project we are launching our exclusive Build Partner programme.

What is the objective of the GSPCA Build Partner programme?

The Build Partner programme is designed to meet the building costs associated with our new £1.3 million multi-purpose animal welfare building.  The building is to replace five existing structures that have become unusable with age.

Our new building will incorporate a welfare cattery, quarantine and isolation facilities, and a secure transfer location while also providing logistical and organisational spaces and facilities for the day-to-day running of the GSPCA.

How does the GSPCA Build Partner programme work?

  • it is a simple partnership designed to meet the funding requirements for the new welfare building
  • 500 individuals or corporate partners
  • join for a 5 year partnership donating £520 annually (options of multiple partnerships, a one off payment or donating monthly are available)

What benefits do I gain as a GSPCA Build Partner?

  • the knowledge that you are actively supporting animal welfare and the communityGspca floor plan Guernsey new build Animal Shelter
  • V.I.P. invitation to the opening of the new facilities
  • exclusive rights to use the GSPCA Build Partner logo
  • updates on the progress of the new building
  • should you wish, a personal / corporate profile on the GSPCA website
  • recognition of your support within the new building if desired

How to I become a GSPCA Build Partner?

  • Complete a simple Deed of Covenant and Standing Order form that are available on our website at www.gspca.org.gg or by calling the Shelter on 257261 or by emailing [email protected]

For more information please email [email protected]

To visit the GSPCA Build Partner programme page and download a Deed of Covenant and Standing Order form please click here.

One of our Build Partners is Saffery Champness and here is a little about them and why they are helping us look to the future with this much needed build:

Saffery Champness is one of the largest independent providers of fiduciary services in Guernsey, employing over 125 people. The firm provides clients with estate planning, wealth protection, investment structuring and corporate services. The firm also has expertise in the family office arena, in particular dealing with specialist assets. In addition, the Guernsey office offers fund administration and audit, assurance and taxation services.

With a presence of nearly 40 years in the island, it has a strong responsibility to supporting the local community. Over the years, it has provided support through corporate sponsorship within both the charitable and community sectors and its’ staff has a strong ethos towards volunteering. One of the firm’s current sponsorships is the around-the-island Saffery Champness Rotary Walk that gives thousands of pounds to local charities every year.

Why Saffery Champness have become a Build Partner -

Lisa Vizia, director of Saffery Champness, said: “As a business that has been on the island for nearly 40 years, it is important to everyone at Saffery Champness to be involved with the local community and to support charitable organisations that make a fundamental difference to the island."

“We are pleased to be supporting the GSPCA as a Build Partner to help ensure the construction of a multi-purpose animal welfare building that will make a huge difference to the running of the organisation.”

To find out more about Saffery Champness please visit their website - http://www.saffery.gg/

What is the objective of the GSPCA Build Partner programme?

The Build Partner programme is designed to meet the building costs associated with our new £1.3 million multi-purpose animal welfare building.  The building is to replace five existing structures that have become unusable with age.

Our new building incorporates a welfare cattery, quarantine and isolation facilities, a secure transfer location while also providing logistical and organisational spaces and facilities for the day to day running of the GSPCA.

How does the GSPCA Build Partner programme work?

  • it is a simple partnership designed to meet the funding requirements for the new welfare building
  • 500 individuals or corporate partners
  • join for a 5 year partnership donating £520 annually

What benefits do I gain as a GSPCA Build Partner?

  • the knowledge that you are actively supporting animal welfare and the community
  • the first 25 GSPCA Build Partners to register will be entered into a draw to lay the first foundation stone
  • one Build Partner will be selected by draw to help complete the topping out 
  • V.I.P. invitation to the opening of the new facilities
  • exclusive rights to use the GSPCA Build Partner logo
  • updates on the progress of the new building
  • should you wish, a personal / corporate profile on the GSPCA website
  • recognition of your support within the new building if desired

How do I become a GSPCA Build Partner?

  • simply complete the Deed of Covenant and Standing Order details and let us take care of the rest
To download the companies / corporate Deed of Covenant and Standing Order please
To download the individual Deed of Covenant and Standing Order please

To download a leaflet to help us spread the word of our Build Partner programme please

For more information please email [email protected]

Would you like to become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and give each month to help animals in our care by clicking here.

To find out about our Build Partner programme please click here

GSPCA Build Partner programme at the GSPCA Animal Shelter in Guernsey - could your business support the GSPCA and animals in Guernsey - CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility -

To find out about the GSPCA Cupcake Week between Monday 27th April and Sunday 3rd May and how to make, bake and sell cake to raise funds for the GSPCA please click here

GSPCA Cupcake Week Guernsey

To find out how to volutneer for the GSPCA please click here

To find out about the Superhero Day Bingo at the Market Bistro please click here


Volunteering at the GSPCA Animal Shelter in Guernsey

To find out about guided tours at the GSPCA please click here

GSPCA Animal Shelter Guided tours in Guernsey

Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.

To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.

There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.

Donate with JustGiving and PayPal

By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD

Or by phone 01481 257261.

To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.

Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?

Like GSPCA Guenrsey Animal Shelter on facebookFollow the GSPCA Animal Shelter in Guernsey on twitter

Here is the latest from the GSPCA Twitter feed -

To see a page full of items on our GSPCA Wish List please click here.

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