Rotary Club members donate 400 service hours for Humane Society projects

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri will receive a top-to-bottom makeover of its facility in Cape Girardeau, thanks to the Cape West Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club donated $15,000 raised in its 2012 Radio Auction to the Humane Society, in addition to 400 community service hours to update the building, according to Tim Bryant, club chairman for the Radio Auction.

"We've got a lot of projects in the works for the facility," said Bryant, "on the inside and out."

Some of the key projects undertaken by Rotary volunteers include replacing the roof and doors and repairing the outside kennels. Charlotte Craig, charter member of the Humane Society, said these projects alone would save the facility hundreds of dollars in utility bills.

"We've paid over $1,000 for utility bills in the past," said Craig. "The roof leaked and the doors didn't really fit tight in their frames, so you can imagine how hard it was to keep it cool or warm."

Scott McClanahan helps prepare the ceiling for plywood covering by members of Cape West Rotary Club Jan. 26 at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Rotary Club member Terry Godwin said it planned to bring the building "back up to speed."

"We know they spend 100 percent of their time taking care of the animals," said Godwin. "We know they don't have the time or money to focus on updates."

Godwin said the Rotary Club wanted to "make the most" of the money they donated to the facility and chose to donate labor in an effort to be more cost effective. The group, he said, was never short on volunteers.

"We ask for volunteers on a weekly basis and, of course, the number changes depending on schedules or areas of expertise," said Godwin. "But the whole point of Rotary is service of self, so all of our members are always willing to do what they can."

Bryant said the volunteers already have completed some projects, including the installation of the new roof, but could not speculate how much time it would take to complete all of the planned renovations. Godwin said the group would go beyond the promised 400 volunteer hours, if necessary.

The Rotary Club has received some help, however. Godwin said the club reached out to local hardware stores and fencing companies and received various donations and discounts on materials.

"I couldn't even tell you how many businesses were willing to make contributions," said Godwin. "We even got the new doors installed completely free, which was great."

Godwin also noted that the Humane Society was a "very worthy beneficiary" that provided a great community service.

"They provide shelters not only for the Cape Girardeau area, but some of the smaller surrounding communities in Southeast Missouri and even Southern Illinois," said Godwin. "I'm not sure if people even realize how many animals come through that facility."

According to Kelly Goff, director for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, the facility saw 3,738 animals come through the door in 2012, which adds up to 10.2 animals per day. Goff said the renovations would allow the facility to be more organized and provide better care for animals in the future.

Craig agreed and said it was nice to see support from a local organization.

"They are the first service club to put themselves behind the shelter," said Craig. "They understand that we're more than just cute puppies and kittens, we're a community asset."

Godwin said he looked forward to the club's continued partnership with the Humane Society. He also said the group is always looking to the future to contribute to other projects and "worthy goals."

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO