Heartfelt Support from the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow

By Joel Boyce

Donating to the new SPCA facility in North Nova was a no-brainer for the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow. 

Allan MacQuarrie can attest to that. As a devoted animal lover – especially when it comes to his four-year-old miniature dachshund named Louis – he is thrilled to contribute to a cause that resonates so deeply with him. 

“I’ve always been a great supporter of the SPCA,” Allan beams. “The SPCA is a big part of the community, so this was a fantastic opportunity to give back.” 

With 25 years of dedication as a member and past president of the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow, Allan also brings his experience to the National Board of Directors for Kin Canada and chairs the Kinsmen Eastlink TV Bingo. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, the passion for community service is important to him – and the club. 

The Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow recently made a generous donation of $10,000 to the North Nova SPCA. These funds were raised through their beloved weekly bingo – an engaging, televised event organized entirely by volunteers in collaboration with the Eastlink community channel and Summer Street Industries, a nonprofit focused on empowering individuals with diverse abilities.

The club recognized that the local SPCA facility was outdated and in need of replacement. After learning about the North Nova campaign, the Kinsmen Club was quick to lend their support. 

“We recognize this facility was desperately needed,” Allan shared. “We definitely wanted to show our support.” 

Every year, the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow raises thousands of dollars for various charitable causes, making them a vital pillar of the community. 

This year alone, they’ve raised funds for an accessible park in Westville, supported a baseball program benefiting over 300 children, and will soon be assisting 40-50 families through their Christmas program. 

And now, the Nova Scotia SPCA is on that list. Allan said the organization is an asset to the community and an easy choice to support. 

“People with pets – and pets in general – are important to us,” he said, discussing the benefits of the North Nova facility. “Our motto is to serve the community’s greatest need. And this is obviously one of those needs. A lot of individuals will benefit from this.” 

The Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow said they are focused on economic growth. In addition to providing essential services, the new SPCA facility enhances the community by creating over 18 full-time jobs across the shelter, hospital, and thrift store. It’s a win-win for both animals and people. 

Allan unfortunately hasn’t seen the new facility yet. But living just a few kilometres away, he said he is eager to check it out once the doors are open.  

With hearts full of hope and paws at the ready, the Kinsmen Club of New Glasgow, led by passionate individuals like Allan, is making a real difference in their community – one tail wag at a time!

Joel Boyce

Joel Boyce is a Communications & Development Officer at the Nova Scotia SPCA. With a passion for storytelling and visual communication, Joel brings the mission of the SPCA to life through compelling narratives and creative content. Outside of work, Joel is a proud father of three beautiful girls and a playful border collie-golden retriever mix named Hazel.