SPCA benefits from Ara pet project

Manny (pictured) and his pals at the Christchurch SPCA have a cool space to hang out this Christmas while they wait for homes of their own thanks to a donation from Ara Institute of Canterbury.

Nine kennels crafted by Year 11 and 12 students taking part in Ara’s carpentry dual enrolment programme, have been donated to the SPCA.
The programme, which combines school with hands-on vocational learning in a range of subject areas, wrapped up last week with the kennels ready for new homes.

“We were delighted to deliver these finished projects to the SPCA as we rounded off classes for the year,” Ara Portfolio Manager for Construction Trades Mandy Gould said. “It’s a win for everyone.”

The idea came from an Ara staff member who was keen to see the snug kennels go to good homes.

Made of ply with treated timber footings and treated fence palings for roofing, they took the students several weeks to measure, cut and construct – working in teams.

“It’s actually a great project to learn the elements of building a house,” carpentry tutor Tim Melker says. “With rafters and bargeboards and footings – they get an understanding of the terminology and use power tools and hand tools along the way.”

“With a taste of carpentry under their belts we’re looking forward to seeing many who’ve already carpentry and joinery Pre Trade courses full time next year. Others will be back for new projects when they do their Level 3 dual enrolment for a couple of days a week which gives them some NCEA credits.”

Christchurch SPCA Centre Manager Natasha Sutton said the kennels would go to great use for in play spaces “during run around time” or would be distributed as needed.

“They’re great for our dogs to chill out in or have a nap out of the sun. But they’ll be handy for those who might not have a kennel lined up.”
The Ara students have nailed it - finishing their study for the year and providing safe shelter for animals in need.

“It’s just an amazing act of kindness. We rely so heavily on our community for lots of things and donations like this are just fantastic. We can’t thank Ara enough.”

It’s a busy time at the centre with animals awaiting adoption and the kitten season in full swing.

Sutton said she’d love people who are not going away and have time on their hands to consider fostering an animal for the holidays.

“If people are off work and having a nice break over Christmas, we’d love them to consider fostering for us because we have lots of animals in the shelter who’d rather be out in a home for this period.

“Fostering is a fantastic way to give some love to an animal in need – especially those who need to learn what a loving home feels like,” she said.

Anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to the SPCA via email at: christchurch.info@spca.nz

Find out more about Trades training at Ara here