Silencio Shop Closure
With regret, we have to report the closure of the LA shop at Costa del Silencio.
This was the first Live Arico shop. In the early days, it was a runaway success and generated a healthy income for the dogs.
Many people from the beach resorts would take the bus over for a day out, to stock up on books and hunt for bargains.
But in recent times, the situation has changed.
David McKenna has been at the shop since it opened and remembers when the local was a radio station with Katy Kennedy on air.
“ There are just too many second-hand shops in the area now”, he explained.“ A total of eight shops within half a mile!”
As we now have shops in the resort areas, people are less inclined to make a special trip over to Silencio
The location is rather out on a limb too, the last shop that people will come to.
These factors have caused the shop income to dwindle in recent months.
Julie, and her committed staff have managed to keep the shop going in spite of all the obstacles outside their control. Thanks to all the cheerful, enthusiastic team for their fantastic effort. They have done so well for the dogs over the years.
But in the current situation, the best decision is to close for the moment.
Sue and the staff bagged and loaded all the remaining stock and transported it to a homeless charity. What heavy physical work that was for them. Aching backs all round! Fittings and other items were donated to other charities such as Cats Welfare and Dogs Welfare Trust. Sue ensured that others benefited as much as possible from the closure.
Where does all the money go?
Well done to all our supporters who have worked so hard to help the animals of the island. This is what you have all achieved in February.
We paid out 1392E for food which was delivered to the refuge at Fasnia and 464E for food delivered to Agua Dulce.
349E went on vet care.
541E paid to Hospivet Sur and 100E to Veterinario Guillermo.
764E paid to La Granja( food suppliers).
In addition, we were able to donate 100E to Sangha Animal Sanctuary at San Miguel. A further 50E was paid to Poochies Pet Hotel towards the rescue dogs they are kindly looking after.
All receipts are retained for inspection if required
I’ m sure you’ ll all be happy with the considerable sum we have raised and distributed this month.
In addition, donors have given for the benefit of specific animals, such as little Rose. Her treatment still continues and we await the final total.
LA Secretary Steps Down
This month we say good-bye to our Secretary, Susannah Saavedra Cruz. We cannot thank her enough for the excellent contribution she has made to the organization.
Susannah became involved with Live Arico in 2004 and has been a committed supporter since.
LA NEWS interviewed her about her amazing career.
As an internationally respected animal behaviourist, she has a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience with animals, including tigers! She has even trained animals for films.
As she is used to dealing with authorities at Government level, she was the best person to guide us through red tape and negotiations during her tenure.
Although her career took her all over the
world, lecturing and as a consultant, she kept close contact and continued to advise us.
She is currently commissioned by the Government of Tahiti to deal with their problem of invasive species. But in spite of her prestigious, exotic position, she will continue her LA support from afar.
Good luck in Tahiti, Susannah. Enjoy those amazing beaches!
Volume 1, Issue 4 Page 3