Concert supports cash-strapped SPCA

Francine Shields hopes people will get behind the SPCA

Two Whangarei women combined their love of animals and music to raise more than $2000 for Whangarei SPCA.

Karleen Still and Jan MacPherson organised a fundraising concert - featuring artists Danny Morris, Spellbound, Maryanne Burney and Dennis Marsh - at the Kamo Club on Valentine's Day.

A total of $2502 was raised, as well as more than $400 worth of food, which the pair dropped off at Whangarei SPCA yesterday.

Mrs Still said she had been driving past the SPCA when she thought about raising funds for the centre.

"I thought, 'Well we've done fundraising for other things. The SPCA are amazing - they do a fabulous job'."

The Kamo Club was filled to capacity for the event, with a huge number of people donating tinned kitten or puppy food.

Whangarei SPCA centre promotions manager Sue McDonald went along to the concert.

"It was an incredible experience. We would like to thank everyone that donated."

Earlier this month the head of Whangarei SPCA made a plea to the public to get behind the centre, which has been losing $30,000 a month.

If it continues at that rate the money it is surviving on - capital from an investment made 12 years ago - would run out. And that would mean it would have to close its doors, Whangarei SPCA chief inspector and manager Francine Shields said.

To donate, visit whangareispca.co.nz and click "How to help" or phone 09 438 9161.