New Home – New Hope

An artist’s rendering of the new home for the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor

Shelter Project Moving Forward

Just over three years ago, The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor announced its’ kickoff of the New Home – New Hope Capital Campaign to build a much needed new animal shelter for San Juan Island. When APS began this campaign, we committed to the public that we would (1) not break ground until we reached a goal of 80% of the funds needed, and (2) use qualified, local contractors during the construction phase. With the help of many generous donors throughout the community, off island supporters, and with the tireless commitment from volunteers, staff, and board members in our fundraising efforts, the APS Board of Directors and the New Home – New Hope Fundraising Committee are excited to announce the Shelter Project has reached its’ groundbreaking goal by raising 80% of the funds necessary to build our new shelter.

With construction bids submitted and all permits and architectural & engineering designs finished and approved, the Board of Directors would also like to announce that the excavation contract will be awarded to Chris Lawson Excavation and the General Contractor contract will be awarded to Mike Greenway Construction, both businesses based on San Juan Island. We have achieved our second goal in using a local construction contractor by receiving affordable and quality bids offered by several local builders. We would like to thank all the contractors who submitted bids and the extensive efforts & considerations put into all the bids that we received.

Groundbreaking and excavation for the new shelter at 994 Cattle Point Rd will begin dependent upon weather conditions. We are hopeful actual building can begin early spring, with an anticipated finish and occupy date of early 2018.

APS will continue its’ fundraising efforts throughout the next year to raise funds for the remaining 20% to complete the project as well as fundraising for normal operations at the current shelter. So as excited as we are to have reached this milestone, our work is not done. We hope you will stop by the administration office at the new shelter site to see how we are progressing, and inquire about the many ways that you can help us continue our efforts and our mission. It has always been, and will continue to be, about the animals, and our ability to provide them with the medical needs, affection and comfort we can give them until they are placed in their new, forever homes. Thank you again, everyone, for your continued support and we look forward to a very exciting upcoming year!

Leslie Byron, Executive Director
Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor

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