LAWRENCE CO. – The White River Humane Society broke ground at the site of their new location Wednesday just off State Road 37, at 11 a.m. to the delight of onlookers.
After shuttles from parking at Speedway just down the highway transported the guests, a crowd of approving volunteers, supporters, and board members eagerly watched the unfolding milestone.
Eden Stafford, the Administration Director for the WRHS said that this tangible milestone “Finally makes this a little more real.”
Despite a few community concerns over the new site, the ground-breaking proceeded, with excited onlookers cheering as the shovels broke the earth.
Debbie Stailey, the WRHS Board President spoke on the many years of planning and careful consideration the project took.
The land was thoughtfully donated by Dana and Brenda Dunbar after former Board President Buddy Hendricks sent out inquiries to potential land donors. Working through cancer for the cause, Buddy and the Dunbars teamed up to complete legal papers and processes.
Before Buddy Hendricks’ passing, the Dunbars promised to see the project through, and this ground-breaking marks an important step on the path to a new shelter.
Years in the making, this project will provide a better work environment for staff and volunteers, and a better home for unwanted animals looking for families. These factors will combine for a healthier, happier, and more effective rehoming process.
Despite this great step in the right direction, the estimates for the new shelter, after researching similar structures and factoring in the needs of the animals, range from 3 to 4 million dollars to complete construction.
Of that, the generosity of many donations and supporters has already raised $700,000.
How can you help?
You can help better the lives of animals by supporting the humane society in its efforts.
Volunteering your free time, donations of supplies, or even donating to the New Building Fund are ways you can help.
Direct donations in the form of checks made payable to the WRHS New Building Fund may be mailed to:
- WRHS P.O. Box 792, Bedford, IN 47421
Donations via PayPal can be made online at the White River Humane Society site, but make sure to follow up with an email to whiteriverhumanesociety@gmail.com to share your intentions for the donation to be directed to the New Building Fund.
