Use of funds

You have donated generously – what are we going to do with the funds?

Project guidelines

Our project will use the funds as follows:

The project amounts are budget figures. We expect to be able to stay within these amounts.
* The final Rand amount will depend on exchange rates.

Our Plan

Property:  The property we purchase will meet a number of criteria:-

• Size of property.
• Purchase price
• Location
• Existing infrastucture
• Changes/upgrades needed
• Potential to create income

Property size
We have identified several properties within the project budget that would be suitable. The properties average 25ha (50 acres) in size, located in the rural/small holdings area around East London

Purchase Price
Properties being considered fall in a range of ZAR1m ($55,000) to ZAR1.8m ($100,000). The properties have been on the market for a while, so we will be able to negotiate. The idea is not to spend the entire budget on just the property, but rather have enough on hand to adapt the property to suit our needs.

Location
The properties are close to the main residential areas of East London (North and East). This is a vital point to consider for attracting visitors. The ideal property will be no more than 15 min drive on either of the main routes (N6 or East Coast roads), and as close as possible to the residential areas of Beacon Bay, Nahoon and Gonubie.

Existing infrastructure
Properties currently on offer have on average one main residence and one smaller cottage, and varying other buildings such as garages, storerooms, staff accomodation. Other fixtures can include (but not always) animal housing, dam/s, and water supply. Some properties have river frontage.

Changes needed
A given will be suitable fencing for Huskies. Even if the existing fencing is in good repair (roughly 1 in 3 of properties), enhancements will be needed. The adaptations needed to outbuildings, for Husky sleeping accomodation, and to create secure, large enclosures will also be considered.

Potential to create income

• Existing residence/s will be converted into rental units, producing a regular monthly income.
• Create a dog friendly venue to allow families and their dogs to have a safe and enjoyable day out.
• A coffee shop will be established to cater to visitors, to further enhance experience
• Open a shop where all pet food and other requirements can be purchased
• Part of the property will have adventure trails laid out, to enable people to enjoy walks and runs with their dogs, or even try their hand with a Husky. Hence the need for a large property! Keeping the trails on the property also keeps everyone safe and off the road.
• Establish a boarding facility where other Huskies can stay safely while owners are away.
• A club catering to local Husky owners will be based on the property, to teach Husky owners how to do biking and carting with their dogs, and for both dogs and humans to have fun at the same time
• Utilise part of the farm to produce vegetables (and later chickens) as a sideline, which can also be sold to visitors

All the above gives people something of value for their money, which also supports the work of the rescue. Knowing that their money spent directly benefits the dogs, allows people to spend more readily.

Community Veterinary Clinic.

The closure of the community clinic at the East London SPCA has left poorer communities in the area without access to vet services, as they are unable to afford fees of private vets, not to mention travel to vets being a challenge. In addition, there are several other animal welfare organisations in the area that run sterilisation programmes, that also are impacted by the closure.
We will set up a basic service clinic (sterilisations, treatments), that will be accredited by the State Veterinarian of Eastern Cape. Community Vet Services (CVS) will then provide the vet/s to work in the clinic, using newly qualified veterinarians doing their 1-year community service. Our clinic will provide the premises and medical supplies needed. At first we will fund the running of the clinic, and once we have a track record (approx. 1 year), we will be able to apply for grant funding to continue operating the clinic, which will enable the clinic to continue providing this vital service.