The society has received $7300 in the Otago Community Trust’s April grants round, which will also be used to buy protective equipment for the Dunedin facility.
It is just one of many community organisations throughout the Otago region which will benefit from a significant funding injection, totalling $756,276.
Dunedin SPCA centre manager Ellen Andrews said with these resources, the organisation would be able to provide immediate, comprehensive veterinary care to animals in need across the Otago region, streamlining operations and reducing costs associated with outsourcing diagnostic services.
"An in-house X-ray machine for SPCA Dunedin will significantly enhance the delivery of its long-standing services to the Otago community.
"Not only will it shorten wait times for accurate medical and physical diagnoses, care and treatment of animals, improve outcomes for recovery and expedite adoptions, but it will also unburden SPCA of the costs of outsourcing this service.
"SPCA Dunedin welcomes an in-house X-ray machine to increase positive outcomes for animal welfare in the region."
The lion’s share of the April grants have gone to supporting organisations that tackle critical social challenges with the annual social services funding round.
Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Ltd ($80,000), Catholic Social Services ($65,000) and Southern Youth Development ($90,000), along with several other service groups, received substantial funding to continue their work addressing poverty, addiction, violence, and family support needs.
Otago Community Trust chief executive Jemma Adams said the organisations provided a "lifeline" for vulnerable individuals and families, fostering resilience and social cohesion within our communities.
Funding was also allocated to a diverse range of organisations and initiatives, aimed at empowering local communities, bolstering social services, promoting arts and culture, and enhancing educational opportunities.
The Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade received $20,000 to buy a 4WD light-support vehicle, which would enhance their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies in the Maniototo region.
Ranfurly Fire Brigade member Ewan Mason said the investment recognised the vital role played by volunteer firefighters in ensuring the safety and preparedness of rural communities.
"This new vehicle, with custom built deck and lockers, will allow the firefighters improved access to more remote and often difficult locations."
The brigade expected to take delivery of it in August.
Ms Adams said the region's vibrant arts and cultural scene also received a financial boost.
The Dunedin Swing Festival 2024 will celebrate its 10th anniversary by bringing world-class dance instructors and performers to the city.
Additionally, the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand, Smokefree Rockquest & Smokefree Tangata Beats, and the South Otago Theatrical Society Inc will receive funding to promote community engagement through their respective initiatives.
The grants
Otago Community Trust April community grants.—
South Otago Theatrical Soc Inc ($4000); Dunedin Poultry Pigeon & Cage Bird Club ($2597); St Joseph's Cathedral School ($4000); Samoan Advisory Council ($4000); Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Ltd ($80,000); Southern Youth Development ($90,000); Otakou Golf Club Inc ($30,000); Aroha Ki Te Tamariki ($80,000); Stopping Violence Dunedin Inc ($15,000); Catholic Social Services ($65,000); Fire in Ice Outrigger Canoe Club Inc ($6500); Dunedin City Council Puaka Matariki Celebrations ($15,000); Swing Riot Dunedin Inc ($3500); St Clair Golf Club Inc ($2000); Oamaru Maheno School ($9829); Otago Epilepsy Association of New Zealand Inc ($5000); Able Southern Families Support ($60,000); Rockquest Charitable Trust ($8000); New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups Inc ($5000); Good Bitches Trust ($3200); Salvation Army New Zealand ($45,000); Age Concern Otago Inc ($65,000); Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand ($6000); RNZSPCA Inc ($7300); Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand ($105,000); Ranfurly Volunteer Fire Brigade ($20,000); Roxburgh Teviot Valley Resthome ($5000); Waikouaiti Bowling Club Inc ($1500); Wānaka Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre Inc ($6150); and Rad Community Trust ($2700).
