ARTICLES FROM THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS NEWSPAPER

Friday, February 13, 2004 (page 25)

Safe Haven Calling For Tree Planters

by Penny Lett

Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven (CASH) is looking for volunteers wishing to exercise their green thumbs.

From February 26 t0 28, the facility at 49842 Chilliwack Central Rd., is having a tree-planting bee.

"On that weekend, the plan is to plant 3,000, six-inch-tall, cedar trees with one-inch root balls," says CASH president, Steve Crawford. "There's no serious digging required and, the more people we get, the less each of us will have to do."

The now-tiny shrubs were started in a nursery and are now ready to be placed in their appointed spots.

"When we purchased this land and were allowed to remove five acres from the agricultural use, the ALR said our being able to do this was subject to our putting up a fence and then planting shrubs around the entire five acres being used as the Safe Haven," says Mr. Crawford. "The other 25 acres we purchased are being leased out."

The cedars are being planted inside the fencing, and two feet apart. They grow quickly and, in three years, should be six feet tall. They should have grown to 15 feet within five years.

"In the meantime, as they grow, they will form a corridor between the fence and themselves that should be ideal for volunteers walking dogs," says Mr. Crawford. "In time, they will not only provide privacy, but make a fine wind break and sound barrier."

The tree planting is a go rain or shine. Would-be volunteers are asked to please wear boots and to bring along a shovel.

"Even if someone can come out for an hour or two, it helps," notes Mr. Crawford. "We have some students signed up from Chilliwack Senior Secondary and the word is, a number of cadet groups are joining in too."

To sign on as a volunteer tree planter, call and leave your name and phone number at CASH any weekday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The shelter number is 604-794-7233.

*Chilliwack animal Safe Haven is holding its first annual general meeting and election of directors on July 3. That is also membership renewal time and this year, the registered non-profit organization is looking to outdo its first-year nominal roll of more than 600.

To date the volunteer-operated charity has placed 97 cats and spayed or neutered 200 cats.

penny@theprogress.com

Friday, August 22, 2003 (page 5)

Council Supports Animal Shelter

by Robert Freeman

A proposed animal shelter got the nod from city council Monday after councilors voted to support an application to the agricultural land commission for non-farm use of the property on Chilliwack Central Road.

Steve Crawford, president of the Chilliwack Safe Haven Society, says he believes most area residents' concerns about the shelter have been answered. The society met with area residents last week at the request of city council, whose support of the proposal was needed to get the application before the land commission.

There is no requirement for the commission to hold further public meetings on applications for non-farm use, a spokesman for the ALC says.

Mr. Crawford says the society did not have to make the application because kennels and other animal boarding services are already an approved by the commission for non-farm use.

"We could have just called it a boarding house ... end of story," he says, but decided to make the application to assure area residents that everything was being done above board.

"At the end of the day, we'll have done it by the rules and regulations," he says, adding  "we haven't skirted any issues, and I hope we haven't made anybody angry with us."

Some residents wanted more information about the society's plan to use an existing domestic septic system to dispose of animal waste. However, if the system cannot be used, Mr. Crawford has said the society will do whatever it takes to dispose of the waste, including hauling it away to the municipal sewage treatment plant at an extra cost.

The society plans to build the shelter on five of the property's 30 acres to house a maximum 400 cats and 20 dogs, plus about 15 other farm animals. The cats and dogs would be checked by a veterinarian at the society's expense, and spayed and neutered before adopting them out at $50 each.

The shelter located at 49843 Chilliwack Central Rd. would be enclosed by a 12-foot fence and staffed by volunteers 24 hours a day.

Friday, August 15, 2003 (page 4)

Residents Question New Animal Haven

Neighbours want consideration ahead of 'stray cats'

by Robert Freeman

A passion for pets was no panacea for some neighbours concerned about a proposed animal shelter on Chilliwack Central Road.

The Chilliwack Safe Haven Society is applying to the Agricultural Land Commission for the non-farm use of a portion of the property at 49843 Chilliwack Central Road to provide a shelter for abused or unwanted animals.

The meeting with neighbours Wednesday was required by Chilliwack councilors before they vote on whether to support the society's application to the land commission. A staff report on the meeting will be made to council on Monday.

Society president Steve Crawford told area residents that the shelter would help stop the practice of dumping unwanted cats and dogs in Chilliwack farmlands.

The proposed shelter would take up only five of the property's 30 acres and be enclosed by a 12-foot fence. A maximum 400 cats and 20 dogs could be housed at the shelter, but there is also room for five horses, five cows and five goats. Any surplus pets, including vicious dogs and feral cats, would be sent to other animal-rescue centres in the Lower Mainland.

Mr. Crawford says no fee would be charged for accepting a pet, and that all would be spayed and neutered to help reduce the population of stray cats and dogs in Chilliwack. Adoptions would cost only $50. Animals brought or left at the shelter would be kept in quarantine until seen by a veterinarian.

He assured area residents that the shelter would be staffed 24 hours a day, and that volunteers would walk the dogs only on the property.

However, plans to use an existing septic system to dispose of animal waste, and to accept offenders working out community service orders, did not sit well with some of the residents at the meeting.

Mr. Crawford said only offenders convicted on driving offences would be accepted, and that if the existing septic system can't be used, the society would build whatever is required or pay for hauling the waste elsewhere.

"We have all kinds of benefactors that will give us big money," he says.

But area resident Robin Caldwell says she left the meeting concerned that the society's desire to aid abused animals is getting ahead of the need to get approvals first from the land commission and health authorities.

"I'm trying to act as a concerned citizen," she says, "I'm not interested in just being a NIMBY, but my interest is essentially that my children and my neighbours' well-being is considered ahead of some stray cats."

She says the society's determination "to do whatever it takes" to get the shelter approved isn't a good enough answer to residents' concerns.

"Give me some science, I'll listen," she says.

"Give us real numbers, real figures, means by which we can measure our response with appropriate thoughtfulness, and we will come back with a thoughtful response. To rush madly along without considering the neighbours until forced to is not something that encourages strong faith in a project."

Mr. Crawford says none of the renovations made to the property so far violate municipal or provincial rules, and that if the society is denied non-farm use by the land commission, the property could be sold for more than the $550,000 paid to buy it.

Regional health officials could not be reached to comment on the use of a domestic septic system for animal waste, but municipal staff say it could be processed for a fee at the city's sewage treatment plant.

Friday, August 1, 2003 (page 16)

Safe Haven Becoming A Reality

by Penny Lett

Make a note of it.

Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven (CASH) now has its own telephone number - and it's easy to remember. To get hold of the new, animal-rescue-and-adoption group, simply dial 604-794-Safe (7233).

And there's more good news. CASH has also been granted its official charity tax number.

"People kindly making cash donations to us will be glad to hear this," says CASH president, Steve Crawford.

All the while, work is progressing on the new shelter facility. If all goes well, the address will be released and the first inhabitants will be welcomed, on or about August 15.

"People with animal problems are welcome to phone us in the interim," offers Mr. Crawford. "We'll certainly try to help them out... but we can't house dogs and cats at the new shelter until it is ready."

To that end, an appeal for volunteer tradespersons and laborers is again being made. Indeed, at the moment, electrical and fencing installation are tops on the organization's wish list.

"MJD Glass Installations Inc. is donating all the recycled thermal windows we need," Mr. Crawford notes. "We're grateful and, because of MJD's assistance, we now have that aspect of our construction under control."

With attention turning to electrical requirements, CASH is seeking gifts of electrical wire, switches, electrical boxes, bathroom fans, and all that is needed to bring the operation 'to light.'

For fencing, the preference is for lengths of six-foot-high chain link - as much as the group can get its proverbial 'hands' on.

CASH currently boasts more than 500 members, and wants to raise the total beyond 1,000 as quickly as possible.

"Membership is only $10 a calendar year," says Mr. Crawford. "And if someone wants to make a larger cash donation, they can specify that it goes to our mortgage account, our general account, our spay and neuter program account, or even to our endowment fund."

The latter requires CASH to leave the principal intact and make use only of the annual interest it accrues.

Safe Haven has also been given two 10-foot  tents emblazoned with the society's logo. Once was donated by Vi and Ray Morse. The other came from Mr. Crawford himself.

Both are about to be put to use.

"We're having a huge, fundraising garage sale on August 16," he says, "It will be held at Marco Plaza at 8635 Young Street, and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot outside La Brewhouse."

As part of the garage sale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sears Carpet Cleaning and West Coast Pain Management will hold a dog wash on site. Suggested minimum donation is $5.

Anyone with items to donate to the garage sale - even leftovers from their own event - is urged to please call 604-794-SAFE. The public can also call to give items for use in the new shelter itself. Welcome are pet dishes (preferably long-lasting stainless steel), grooming aids, clean towels and blankets, collars, leashes, as well as pet carriers and cages.

"We've also begun marketing for sponsorship," says Mr. Crawford, updating the final topic. "Same thing. Pick up the phone and call 604-794-SAFE."

June 24, 2003 (page 11, 13)

Financing Set For Animal Haven

by Penny Lett (Staff Writer)

Thanks to community support, CASH (Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society) has more good news to report.

"Our June 14 garage sale earned us $1,300," reports the president, Steve Crawford. "And the week before, at the Alexander Street Fair, we raised $1,200."

And it only gets better.

"With the help of Scotiabank, the financing on the property we've bought to develop our pet adoption centre, has gone through," Mr. Crawford announces. "We take possession of the land on July 1, and of the house on July 15."

The exact location of the site remains undisclosed. The group is not yet prepared to take in animals and doesn't want any 'drop offs' in the meantime.

"After we take possession, give us two months to get the property prepared," Mr. Crawford asks. "And when you do call, give us time to plan and respond."

CASH was organized in January, this year. It has 400 members, but needs thousands more. It has 50 active volunteers, but needs hundreds more.

"To get the property up to snuff, we'll need volunteer construction workers and trades people," says Mr. Crawford. "And we need donations of building materials, windows, and fencing."

There's also a need for a volunteer 'real' bookkeeper, canine workers, and foster homes.

"We can find something for everyone to do and enjoy as they help CASH help the pets," he says.

The hunt is also on for a tree grower to lease 25 of CASH's 30 acres. Five will be kept for the use of the facility.

When things are up an running, the plan is to work with three or four local veterinarians on a voucher system to assist financially-challenged pet owners with the cost of spays and neuters.

For immediate assistance to these folks, Tri-V Pet Foods has recently donated its third unit of 100 cases of dog and cat food to be given out to qualifying pet owners.

CASH volunteers will soon be canvassing businesses to sell them sponsorships. The prices will range from $75 to $1,000 per year. Monthly sponsorships will be available too.

Later this summer, on August 16, the society will be part of the Marco Plaza Yard Sale. Donated goods and items for sale there, are welcome.

"We really want to thank the community for its support," Mr. Crawford underlines. "Please keep it up."

*For more information, call him at 604-795-5757.

June 10, 2003

CASH Gains Home For Homeless Pets

by Penny Lett (Staff Writer)

If Steve Crawford and the board members of CASH (Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven) had tails, they'd be wagging.

The recently-formed pet rescue/adoption group has found and purchased land upon which to build its planned, 'super' facility.

"The financing is still being processed, so we can't yet publicize the location," beams Mr. Crawford. "But we can report we bought 30 acres which includes 5,000 square feet of barn space for the animals, and an 1,800 square-foot house which we will use as offices and an isolation or quarantine area."

Possession date is set for July 1. The hope is that, in Chilliwack, Canada Day will come to be also known as Safe Haven Day.

"We plan to lease out 25 acres to a tree grower and that will help with the mortgage," continues Mr. Crawford. "But we will need the help of every individual and business to get things up and running, and the mortgage paid down."

CASH is already rescuing what animals it can. And Tri-V pet foods has donated a second batch of 100 cases of cat and dog food to help cover cots for those in need.

However, in anticipation of the completion of the real estate deal, the group is appealing to qualified people of all trades to donate their time and skills in order to bring the barns up to snuff.

"We'll need laborers and building supplies too," adds Mr. Crawford. "In fact, everyone, no matter his or her age, economic status or profession can help in some way. Annual memberships are only $10. Volunteering costs nothing, and donations come with tax receipts."

This week, donations to CASH need not be restricted to cash. The group is hosting a fundraising garage sale on June 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 9949 Kenswood Dr. "We appreciate everything the community has done for CASH so far," offers Mr. Crawford. "And we'll appreciate anything anyone has to contribute to this garage sale."

In fact, CASH volunteers are willing to attend after other community garage sales, and remove any items not sold by their hosts. These items will then be offered at future CASH garage sales or used in the Safe Haven itself.

"On June 19 we are holding an open house at Cooke's Presbyterian Church, 45825 Wellington Ave. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.," the CASH president concludes. "Everyone is welcome. Bring all your questions." For more info call Mr. Crawford at 604-795-5757.

March 28, 2003 (page 4)

Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society Unmoved By Recent SPCA Reprieve

by Penny Lett (Staff Writer)

The newly-formed Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society (CASH) has barely raised a figurative eyebrow at the sudden news that the Hopedale Road SPCA shelter will now remain open indefinitely.

"I'm not surprised the SPCA has changed its mind," says CASH president, Steve Crawford. "It's hard to have Chilliwack annually donate $200,000 to you, and then have it go somewhere else. They learned about the formation of CASH and that's why they changed their mind. They simply realized they'd lose the cash coming from here.

"All sorts of things have already been offered to us, so that must have happened to the SPCA as well. And that's on top of cash."

Mr. Crawford says his group has already signed up 180 volunteers, and made a formal presentation to the City of Chilliwack appealing for land. In that regard, the city is holding an in-camera meeting on April 7.

And the SPCA's announcement that it is keeping its doors open locally, has in no way lessened CASH's changes of success at getting land donated for its proposed facility.

"We haven't changed our course," says Mayor Clint Hames. "At this point we are continuing to explore the options. We've reviewed the information the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society has given us, and asked staff to check the opportunities.

"The SPCA has a lot of bridge building to do. They have something to prove before they get folks' confidence again.

"The Society is proposing a full animal-management regime that would make it more than a shelter and include animal control and even licensing."

Mayor Hames says CASH wants to work with Animal Control and perhaps even be co-located. Animal Control is of course by contract awarded through a competitive process.

And, on behalf of CASH, Mr. Crawford says it's nice the SPCA is coming back to help them.

"We'll work with them, but not on their terms," he continues. "We don't want a war with the SPCA, but we also don't want them saying the community didn't support them, when it did."

"We (CASH) are going to be here forever. What we are doing is for, by, and in this (particular) community. Give us the $200,000 each year, and just see what we do."

He goes on to say that even if CASH does not get community donations, it will then earn the money. It's looking for sponsors to raise the building. Donations will go to the animals.

"The SPCA has burnt itself. I could not do for them, what I'm doing for CASH," he adds. "And I don't think the community will support the SPCA or rally around it after this go-round."

However, current SPCA shelter manager, Eileen Drever, says she wishes this group "all the best."

"It's not a bad thing," she believes. "We're all helping animals."

In fact, when the Hopedale shelter was still under the threat of closure, it donated canned dog food to CASH.

A number of the animals in its possession was earlier transferred out to other shelters because the public already believed the SPCA had closed and no one was coming to the local facility.

Over the last year in Chilliwack, the SPCA has made use of a number of veterinarian facilities including: Little Mountain Veterinary Clinic, Sardis Animal Hospital, Central Veterinary Clinic, Cheam View Veterinary Hospital, Valley Veterinary Services, two animal hospitals in Abbotsford and one in Surrey.

February 28, 2003 (page 4)

Safe Haven Hopes To Replace Local SPCA

by Penny Lett (Staff Writer)

When one door closes, another opens.

And if Steve Crawford along with his band of volunteers behind the newly-formed Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society have their way, it will be a literal door opening.

The group of 12 is coming forward to help fill the void expected with the closure of the SPCA's Hopedale Road facility on April 30.

"We're going to build," says Mr. Crawford as group president. "We're going to build a two-story structure that will be two-hundred feet by fifty feet. It will have 64 canine suites that are 10 fee by 10 feet each with a door to a private outside area also 10 feet by 10 feet."

The Haven will also have 206 feline condos that are five feet by five feet each with its own ensuite that is two feet square. There will be an examination room for veterinarian use, a quarantine area, a recovery area, and an adoption area.

And the first floor will boast the adoption area. Food will be stored in a steel-encased section to keep it fresh and clean.

"We've already come a long way with this," continues Mr. Crawford. "We're working with Craven, Huston, powers Architects and Sliman, Stander & Company is doing our legal work."

He notes that the cities of Vernon and Penticton donated land for similar shelters when the SPCA pulled out there.

And Chilliwack mayor, Clint Hames, says he hopes the city is able to do the same.

"It's a supportable idea and we'll do our best to work with this society," Mayor Hames confirms. "We've given land to other groups such as the Threshermen's Association and the Curling Club with management agreements. We (council) will certainly put our minds together to see whether there's an opportunity and land available."

But, at this point, he says, "nothing can be guaranteed." First land must be available. Second, the Society must come forward with a formal presentation.

The parcels of greatest interest to Mr. Crawford at the moment are a piece of Crown land by the sewage treatment plant, an area on Bailey Road, and an section by the rock quarry in Sardis.

When the land is secured, it's estimated the building and furnishings will cost about $200,000. And the Haven group has already come up with a plan to make a win-win situation both for it, and for area businesses.

"Sponsors can advertise," Mr. Crawford announces with disarming simplicity. "Fluffy, for instance, might be in the Minter or Canex condo... Rover in the Mertin's or Toyota suite."

The walls, the ceilings, the parking spaces -- even the roof (for aircraft-related ventures) -- are being considered to be advertising space.

"Advertising sales will be contracted out to a marketing company on a commission basis," he explains. "Advertisers will have a three-year contract and renewals will be handled by Haven volunteers."

Vending machines will bring in additional monies.

It's expected the actual pets, whether dogs or cats, will likely sell for $50 each. All will be spayed or neutered. All will be permanently identified, and all will be healthy.

"We will not only deal with strays, but we will take in the pets people can no longer keep," says Mr. Crawford. "We want people with pet problems to come to us... and we never want there to be an abandoned animal anywhere around Chilliwack."

With every an eye to the future, Mr. Crawford says the Haven particularly wants volunteer youth involved in its operation. It's a hands-on way of learning about responsibility and animal care, as well as a chance for the next generation to build on the respect for animals of this one.

"Improvements in animal welfare being with our youth," he highlights. "And we'll be ready to further their education with videos on animal care and areas where visitors can socialize or play with the animals."

Along with himself as president, Mr. Crawford's executive includes Diane Gibson as vice-president, Marnie Erickson as treasurer, and Juanita Stander as secretary. Christine Dunham and Wendy Weber are canine and feline coordinators respectively.

Lesley Anderson is the group's 'floater'.

As well as its executive, the group's followers include a number of notable former SPCA volunteers and backers such as Ena Vermerris.

"We're all volunteers," Mr. Crawford points out. "No one connected with the Haven, gets paid. That way, every cent we raise, goes directly and specifically to the animals. And don't worry, I'll take my turn scooping. No problem."

Though retired from the manufacture of air-quality-control mechanisms, Mr. Crawford still owns the company. As his gift to the Haven, he will donated its air-quality-control system.

"I've got a lot of heart," he concludes. "And right now I'm giving it all to the Haven with the hope that down the road, we can build another."

Those wanting to join the bandwagon, offer support, or make a donation, can call Mr. Crawford at 604-795-5757, Ms. Gibson at 604-823-6050, Ms. Erickson at 604-823-4111, or Ena Vermerris at 604-858-9045.