South River council ponies up with donations

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The North River Recreation Committee and the Baccalieu Trail SPCA can expect cheques waiting for them at the Town Hall South River.

Council last month agreed to help both organizations by way of donations.

North River Recreation is a not-for-profit organization chaired by resident Ryan Gates. In previous years, South River donated $500 to North River Recreation. Despite what the name might suggest, North River Recreation also serves communities around North River, including Clarke’s Beach and South River. Gates has previously discussed changing the group’s name to be more inclusive of the areas the organization serves.

The organization has a softball program that is run in Clarke’s Beach but includes children from South River.

Councillor Eric Snow said Gates does good work.

Councillor Pat Curran agreed. “From what I’ve heard from the parents of the kids, he’s done a lot,” Curran said.

Put to a vote, council decided to donate again to the organization, and to ask Gates for an update on the group’s name change when he comes to collect the money.

Council also discussed the Baccalieu Trail SPCA, which recently faced a financial crisis and had to put out an appeal for donations. Fortunately, enough has been raised that the shelter is not presently in danger of closing its doors.

Council decided to make donation to the BTSPCA on behalf of the town.

Councillor David Petten noted that awareness and concern about animal welfare has increased greatly over the years, and that animals are treated better and cared for more today than in the past. He added that with the number of pet owners in South River, residents would be proud to say the Town donated to the cause. Ultimately, council decided to donate $1,000 to the shelter.