SAINT JOHN, N.B. – A sense of optimism is in the voices of the staff at the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue.

Shelter manager Kathy Illingworth says while they received $14,000 in donations to the debt-ridden shelter over the weekend, she estimates about $200,000 more is needed to continue their operations.

Illingworth notes she can understand the shock throughout the community regarding the possibility of the animal shelter closing.

“What people want to know is why it came out of the blue? Why is it the first time we’re hearing about it? But there has been a challenge all along it just got to a critical state this week. The shelter is in dire need.”

The shelter originally stated they needed a million dollars before September 8th or it would have to close it’s doors.

Illingworth says that price includes the cost of their new building on Bayside Drive.