Celebrating 50 years of marriage is usually done with a golden touch. But after five decades, Al and Beryl Keilty decided a new flare was needed for their milestone anniversary.
Instead of purchasing gifts, the Keiltys asked friends and family who attended their October 14 open house to make a cash donation to the Colchester SPCA.
“When you’re married for 50 years, you accumulate a lot of stuff,” said Al. “A lot of the time, you don’t know what to do with it all. With our anniversary coming up, we let people know we didn’t need any more stuff.”
Recently, the pair visited the SPCA where they presented manager Sara Delaney with the proceeds. Beryl says the Truro residents were pleased they could support the local non-profit organization.
“We both love animals,” she said. “We always have. We had our fair share of cats and dogs over the years. They were always an extension of our family. When we sat down to talk about the idea, we both knew this is where we wanted the money to go.”
Beryl added the idea originated from a conversation she had with friends.
While the SPCA relies on support from the community, Delaney says it rarely comes in this form. She says a number of kids over the years have donated their birthday money to the SPCA, but an anniversary donation is something new to her.
“I think it’s terrific,” she said. “Animals have a certain way of impacting our lives. It’s obvious by this donation the Keiltys feel strongly about the animals they had in their lives. We certainly appreciate them thinking about us when they agreed upon this idea.”
The money couldn’t have come at a better time either. Delaney says the SPCA is currently in the process of upgrading a specific portion its facility.
“Right now, we have to replace a bank of cages,” Delaney continued. “They’re old wooden cages and the pressboard is bad for holding in germs. They really need to be changed, so this money will help with those upgrades.”
Knowing the donation would be put to good use almost immediately was pleasing to hear for the Keiltys. Beryl hopes others will consider doing the same thing when they celebrate a similar milestone.
“We were really looking forward to doing this and we know the people who made a donation during our open house believed in this cause as well,” she said. “If anyone out there wants to steal the idea and support the charity of their choice, we certainly don’t mind. It’s just another way to support an organization in our community that can always use a financial boost.”
The SPCA currently has six dogs and more than 60 cats looking for a home. Anyone looking for more information can call 893-7968 or visit www.spcans.com.