TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY
DECEMBER 2023
HUMANEINSIDER
FEATURED ARTICLES Send a Holiday Gift of Treats, Toys, and Wellness Page 2 Our Holiday 50/50 Jackpot is Growing Page 3 Toronto Humane Society in the News Page 4 Shop Toronto Humane Society for Holiday Gifts that Give Back Page 5 Celebrating Dillon Dodson's Latest Achievement Page 6 Volunteer Updates Page 7 Volunteer Spotlight of the Month Page 8 How Meriel Supported Toronto Humane Society by Getting Crafty Page 9 Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities Page 9 Young Advocates in the Making: A Story of Hope Page 10 Calendar of Events Page 11
Send a Holiday Gift of Treats, Toys, and Wellness
The holiday season is upon us! As we all revel in
Your gift goes beyond helping animals to find
the festive spirit, creating our gift lists and sharing
their loving homes—it also plays a vital role in
in the joy this time of year brings, there's one more
maintaining
significant gift that deserves a spot on your
community. Sadly, some animals go without
holiday checklist: extending a helping hand to
essential veterinary care due to the skyrocketing
animals who need it the most.
costs affecting our city. Your holiday gift today will
the
health
of
animals
in
our
make a lasting impact, offering the invaluable gift
You can share in the spirit of the holidays by
of health and hope to animals in need.
sending a heartful gift to animals. Visit Toronto Humane Society’s Holiday Gift Shop and send
This holiday season let's come together to make a
them a pre-filled holiday package of treats, toys,
difference and bring happiness to the lives of
and wellness essentials. You will undoubtedly have
animals who rely on our compassion. Your
them joyfully wagging their tails in excitement!
generous contribution ensures that these animals experience the joy and well-being they deserve during this festive time. Join us in making this holiday
season
extra
special
for
our
furry
companions!
Page 2
Our Holiday 50/50 Jackpot is Growing
We recently announced the winners of both early
Toronto Humane Society Staff and Board of
bird prizes for our holiday 50/50 raffle. As we
Directors, as well as their spouses, children, and
approach our final draw, you might still have a
children-in-law, are not permitted to purchase
chance to win the GRAND PRIZE that grows with
tickets and are not eligible to win. If you are not
every ticket purchase if you are eligible to
eligible to participate, we invite you to share this
participate. Make sure to visit our lotto website to
raffle on social media.
view the current amount. Thank you to all who have participated already
Buy 10 tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, or a
and GOOD LUCK in the final draw!
whopping 200 tickets for just $40 for a chance to turn that into a $17,000 minimum prize! Our final
The raffle is licensed by AGCO
jackpot winner will be announced on Wednesday,
Lottery License #RAF1302302
December 13th, so make sure you purchase your tickets before 11:59 pm on December 12th to qualify.
Exciting Training Update This holiday season, if you find yourself in need of additional assistance in training your furry companion with essential foundational skills, we have an exciting offer that's tailor-made for you! Our exclusive training promotion features a series of Foundation Skills classes starting in December, designed to lay a strong groundwork for your dog's overall development. Enrolling in our Foundation Skills class now comes with an extra special perk – your first class is absolutely free! This offer is incorporated into the total cost of the six-week course, making sure your pet is well-equipped for the hustle and bustle of the season!
Toronto Humane Society in the News
In
October,
Toronto
Humane
Society
was
Toronto in Crisis
mentioned in over 161 media clips and reached
Toronto Humane Society launched a four-part
over
impressions
series, “Toronto in Crisis”, highlighting how the
through radio, online news, and television. Here’s
high cost of housing and pet care are affecting
what Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing
families and causing some to rehome their pets.
in the media last month.
The campaign was mentioned 97 times in
153,871,680
earned
media
October and reached over 116 million earned Adoption Highlights
media impressions. Major outlets covering this
In October, animals looking for their forever home
story include; CP24 (TV), 640 Toronto (Radio),
were featured in a variety of publications. Pet
CityNews 680 Toronto (Radio), CBC Radio One
profiles appeared in Toronto Guardian, The New
Toronto (Radio), CTV News Toronto (TV), CTV
Classical FM, Global News Toronto, and Toronto
National News (TV), Q107 (Radio), Newstalk 1010
Sun.
(Radio), CBC Toronto (TV), CityTV Toronto (TV), 980 London CFPL AM (Radio), Toronto Sun (Online), Toronto Star (Online), Blog TO (Online), NOW
October Media Stats: Mentions: 161 Impressions: 153,871,680
Toronto (Online), and Radio-Canada (Online). Other Media Hits: “How
to
Keep
Your
Pets
Safe
this
Thanksgiving” - CTV NewsChannel
Page 4
Shop Toronto Humane Society for Holiday Gifts that Give Back
As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect
A Dog Wearing a T-Shirt Shirt: If you're a fan of
time to embrace the spirit of giving. This year,
adorable fashion statements, our exclusive new
consider making your holiday purchases count by
design showcases a dog wearing a Toronto Humane
shopping at Toronto Humane Society's E-Store,
Society t-shirt – a quirky and heart-melting addition
where every gift carries a heartwarming impact.
to your wardrobe.
Your purchase goes beyond the joy it brings to your
Guinea Pig Love: Explore our three new designs
loved ones; it supports public programs dedicated to
featuring these lovable piggies. These designs are
keeping families and pets together. Especially during
sure to warm the hearts of guinea pig lovers
the holiday season, when the warmth of family
everywhere.
matters most, your contribution can make a significant difference.
This holiday season, let your gifts tell a story of compassion and care. By choosing to shop at
New Additions
Toronto Humane Society's e-store, you're not just
We have a few new features that may be your new
buying merchandise; you're contributing to a cause
favourite!
that touches lives and keeps families together.
“Improve the Lives of Animals” Tote Bag: Available in four adorable designs – featuring dogs, cats, special species, and an irresistible mix of all pets (coming very soon!). Carry your holiday goodies in style while spreading awareness for a great cause.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION TODAY!
Celebrating Dillon Dodson's Latest Achievement
In her time working for us, Dillon Dodson, Senior
As an Adjunct Lecturer, Dillon will have the
Manager of Social Work, has demonstrated her
opportunity to continue shaping the minds of
capability to always push forward and achieve new
aspiring social workers, sharing her wealth of
recognition. She helped us create the Urgent Care
knowledge and practical insights gained through
Program, was elected to the Board of the
years of dedicated service. This honour not only
International
Social
reflects Dillon's personal achievements but also
Workers, and is the recipient of the Ontario
highlights how far our impact of Improving the
Association of Social Workers Award.
Lives of Animals extends.
Now, Dillon has pushed herself even further to
Let’s Congratulate Dillon Together
secure the title of Adjunct Lecturer at the
We'd like to extend a big congratulations to Dillon
University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work in
for this recent achievement. We are proud to have
recognition of her outstanding contributions to
such accomplished individuals on our team, and
guiding their practicum students.
Dillon's
Association
of
Veterinary
achievement
serves
as
a
source
of
inspiration for us all. What is an Adjunct Lecturer? According to the University of Toronto, Adjunct Lecturers are, “individuals who are employed elsewhere in a position that is not primarily academic in nature, who have special skills or learning of value to a unit and who may provide services for which recognition is desirable.”
Page 6
Volunteer Updates Anniversaries
We will be recruiting more to fill these shifts,
Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are
which takes time so any help filling these shifts in
reaching a milestone anniversary this month!
the meantime will be appreciated.
Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!
Attendance Policy Reminder Your dedication is the cornerstone of our mission's
1 Year
success, and we deeply appreciate the invaluable
Suzi E – Public Training Admin
hours you contribute each month. To ensure smooth operations and better cater to our animal
5 Years:
care needs, we rely on your scheduled shifts and
Cindy B – Canine Care
hours. Therefore, it is crucial for all volunteers to
Jo-Ann B – Feline Care
adhere to our attendance policy:
Kristine D – Canine and Feline Care
1. Flexibility in Shift Management: You have the
Gillian H – Feline Care
liberty to add and remove your shifts via the
Lisa S – Feline Care
Volunteer Information Centre or the VICNET app as necessary.
10 Years:
2. Timely Shift Modifications: If unable to attend a
Rachelle G – Canine and Feline Care
shift, kindly remove it from your schedule. The more notice provided, the smoother our
7am Shifts for Animal Care Volunteers
planning. For changes within 24 hours, please
We are in need of more volunteers to start
promptly email the designated contact in your
volunteering at 7am. This is a busy time for us in
shift reminder email.
the shelter getting all the animals ready for the day
so
your
help
at
this
time
would
3. Continuous Communication: If the need arises
be
to remove three or more consecutive shifts,
appreciated. If you love early mornings and
reach out to our volunteer services team to
keeping busy, then a 7am shift is for you!
ensure proper documentation. 4. Extended Leave Provision: Should you require
Canine Care volunteers: We are in urgent need of
an extended absence, you may request a
7AM
Leave for up to 6 months without the need to
shifts
Fridays,
Saturdays,
Sundays,
and
Mondays
reapply.
Feline and Special Species volunteers: This will
Remember, proactive shift removal is paramount
be a new shift time now available to you! We are
to this policy. Your unwavering commitment is
looking for shifts to be filled any day of the week.
instrumental in supporting both the animals and
If you can switch your shift and/or sign up for extra
their devoted guardians.
shifts at 7am please send Chris and email at cbuchner@torontohumanesociety.com
Volunteer Spotlight of the Month: Hanan Zoueiter A Journey of Rewarding Experiences Hanan's time at Toronto Humane Society has allowed her to work with a diverse array of animals. One particularly touching experience for Hanan was witnessing the rehabilitation of a mistreated stray dog. The transformation in the dog's behaviour and trust was a heartwarming testament to the impact of love and care. Moreover, her tenure at Toronto Humane Society has been a continual learning experience. Hanan has
delved
into
the
intricacies
of
animal
behaviour, health, and the vital role of proper care. Witnessing the dedication of the staff and fellow volunteers
in
creating
a
safe,
nurturing
environment for these animals has been truly eyeopening for her. The Heartfelt Motivation to Continue What drives Hanan to return day after day? It's the For Hanan, the decision to volunteer at Toronto
bonds she's forged with the animals and the
Humane Society was born from a profound love
tangible impact she sees her efforts have on their
for animals and a desire to make a meaningful
lives. Contributing to the well-being of these
impact within the community. Her journey reflects
animals brings her a profound sense of fulfillment.
a dedication to the well-being of animals and an unwavering commitment to Toronto Humane
The camaraderie among volunteers and the
Society's mission. Here's a look at Hanan’s lived
dedicated
experiences
of
inspiration. Each day presents new challenges and
heartwarming stories, and the driving force that
learning opportunities, keeping the experience
keeps her dedication strong.
fresh and invigorating.
A Passion for Animal Welfare
Hanan's
Hanan's deep-rooted love for animals paved the
compassion and commitment in advocating for
way for her volunteer journey at Toronto Humane
the welfare of our furry friends. Her dedication to
Society.
Toronto
Our
which
are
unwavering
comprised
commitment
to
staff
story
provides
her
epitomizes
Humane
Society
with
the
constant
power
showcases
of
the
providing shelter, care, and love to animals in
transformative
distress resonated deeply with her. She saw
passion can have on the lives of animals in need.
volunteering as an opportunity to merge her
Thank
passion for animals with a genuine sense of
commitment and the love and care you provide to
purpose in making a difference.
these deserving animals.
you,
impact Hanan,
that for
one your
individual's unwavering
Page 8
How Meriel Supported Toronto Humane Society by Getting Crafty In unfamiliar environments, sometimes what we
Meriel’s story is the perfect example that support
covet most is our comfort. One of our special
can
supporters, Meriel, at the incredible age of 102, is
Toronto Humane Society can look like becoming a
able to provide just that for the cats in our care.
monthly donor, sharing impactful stories like the
look
different
for
everyone.
Supporting
one of Candace and NinaBear, buying from our In one of her recent accomplishments, Meriel
retail store, volunteering with us to make a
thoughtfully hand-knitted 70 blankets for the cats
meaningful difference, or knitting 70 blankets for
in our care to use to their liking. Woven with love,
cats
the cats can’t get enough of Meriel’s blankets –
involvement in our mission looks like, coming
some even use them as their bed! Meriel recently
together to keep families together makes our
came to our facility with her son to drop off her
community stronger.
to
feel
comfortable.
Whatever
your
gifts, and the cats have been attached to their new blankets ever since!
Thank you, Meriel, for all that you’ve done for the cats. They are extremely grateful for all that you’ve done, and you’ve given them the gift of love, comfort, and happiness.
Career Opportunities Toronto Humane Society is committed to promoting the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering. Our team of talented, dedicated staff work to support this mission. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please forward your resume to our Human Resource Department via email at hiring@torontohumanesociety.com. Current Job Openings Manager, Donor Stewardship and Events Major Gifts Officer
Young Advocates in the Making: A Story of Hope In the spirit of giving, sometimes the smallest
Young advocates have already reached out to us to
advocates have the biggest hearts. Over the past
show support through drawings, bake sales, letters,
couple months, we’ve received an overwhelming
and more. Join our mission here at Toronto Humane
number of gifts, notes, and stories from young
Society either through donations, retail purchases,
advocates who believe in our mission of Improving
or even inspiring children to become young
the Lives of Animals. As young advocates, they want
advocates helps us keep families together, especially
to spread happiness throughout the world, and we
during the busy holiday season. Thank you to all
are honoured to be the organization that they
who have already reached out to us, and let’s
support.
continue amplifying young advocates not just in the spirit of giving, but to grow a community-driven
Schools across Ontario have introduced a program
mindset.
called Project Give Back, where elementary school students are invited to show support for a non-profit organization that means something to them. This program helps develop empathy, build character, and ignite community-minded citizens. Ellen Schwartz, the Founder and Teacher of Project Give Back suggests, “If we give children the proper tools and guidance, they can achieve the impossible.” The program promotes philanthropy and encourages students to do the teaching.
Page 10
Calendar of Events
World AIDS Day
Human Rights Day
December 1st
December 10th
A day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS
This day marks the day on which the United
pandemic and mourning those who have died of
Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the
the disease.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Winter Solstice
December 2nd
December 21st
The
focus
of
this
day
is
on
addressing
The shortest day and longest night of the year
contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking
marks celebrations for various cultures across the
in persons, sexual exploitation, and the forced
world.
recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. Christmas Day International Volunteer Day
December 25th
December 5th
An annual festival commemorating the birth of
A day to promote volunteering, support the well-
Jesus Christ.
being of volunteers, and celebrate the impact of volunteer efforts everywhere.
Kwanzaa December 26th-January 1st
Hanukkah
An annual celebration of African American culture,
December 7th – December 15th
culminating in a communal feast called Karamu.
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication,
and
Feast
of
the
Maccabees,
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 160s BC.
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.