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FEATURED ARTICLES
Save the Date: Upcoming Purpose & Learning Day Page 2
Toronto Humane Society in the News Page 3
Toronto Humane Society Wins Purple Ribbon Award for Interdisciplinary Team of the Year Page 4
Celebrating Larisa Nagelberg: Recipient of the Alison Caird Young Leader Award for Transformative Contributions to Animal Welfare Page 5
Essential Tips Heat Safety Tips Shared in the Media Page 6
Nominate A Volunteer or Staff Member to Win a CharityVillage Conference Award Page 7
Volunteer Updates Page 8, 9
Staff Announcements Page 10
TikTok’s Live Steam Helps Miffy Find Her Forever Home Page 11
The Impact of Team Experience Days at Toronto Humane Society Page 12
Our First Community Wellness Pop-up Clinic of 2024 Page 13
Toronto Humane Society Teams Up with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for a Wellness Clinic in Saugeen First Nation Page 14
1,000 Visitors Toured Toronto Humane Society for Doors Open 2024 Page 15
Upcoming Events
Page 16
Save the Date: Upcoming Purpose & Learning Day
We're excited to invite you to mark your calendars for our upcoming Purpose & Learning Day! This special event is designed to bring us together for an afternoon of education, engagement, and celebration
Here are the details:
Who: Toronto Humane Society Staff, Volunteers, and Foster Parents
What: Save the Date - Purpose & Learning Day
Where: Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, 2nd Floor Board Room
When: July 23, 2024, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Why: Join us to hear quarterly updates from leadership, enjoy a delicious meal and refreshments, participate in fun activities, attend workshops, and more! It's an opportunity to connect with fellow team members, deepen your understanding of our mission, and celebrate the incredible work we do together.
Stay tuned for registration details and more information about the activities planned for the day!
Offer a Workshop!
Interested in presenting at a Purpose & Learning Day? We’d love to have you. Please submit your Workshop Presenter Form If you’re looking to present at this Purpose & Learning Day, please submit it by Monday July 15th at 9 AM.
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact Chris Buchner at: CBuchner@torontohumanesociety.com and Lucas Solowey at: lsolowey@torontohumanesociety com
Toronto Humane Society in the News
In May, Toronto Humane Society was mentioned in over 88 media clips and reached over 62,508,040 earned media impressions through radio, online news and television! Of this earned media coverage, we can see that 56% came from news articles, 32% from television, and 12% on the radio
Here’s what Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing in the media last month:
TD Bank Partners with Toronto Humane Society
For Toronto’s First Dog ATM (Automated Treat Machine)
The first Canadian Dog ATM (Automated Treat Machine) was introduced on Wednesday at TD Bank’s Wellington branch in Toronto as part of TD Tech & Innovation Day. The story appeared in the Toronto Sun and other publications
CBC Kids High Five Celebrates World Turtle Day with Fred Lauralee Dorst, RVT, Community Animal Welfare Director, appeared on a segment of CBC Kids High Five with Fred, an 18-year-old turtle available for adoption This aired across Canada
Adoption Highlights
Animals such as Kiara, Shellers, Verandah and more were featured in a variety of publications such as Toronto Guardian, and Classical 96.3 FM.
Sony Canada Partners with Toronto Humane Society for The Garfield Movie Release
A three-day event was held at Dufferin Mall –Centre Court – in anticipation of the release of The Garfield Movie. Attendees met cats available for adoption at Toronto Humane Society, got their face painted, and saw exclusive clips of the new movie. News covered by The Sudbury Star and other outlets.
Toronto Humane Society Wins Purple Ribbon Award for Interdisciplinary Team
of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that Toronto Humane Society has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Purple Ribbon Award for Interdisciplinary Team of the Year!
This accolade is part of an annual awards program run by DomesticSheltersorg, a vital online resource for individuals experiencing and working to end domestic violence. This recognition celebrates the outstanding collaborative efforts of our Urgent Care Foster program, which provides temporary housing for pets belonging to people fleeing domestic violence.
A Fair and Notable Recognition
The Purple Ribbon Awards are designed to ensure fair competition among organizations of different sizes. While Toronto Humane Society competed in the largest size category, it is noteworthy that no awards for Interdisciplinary Team of the Year were given in the smaller size categories Out of 71 award winners, only seven were from Canada, with the majority being from the United States. This highlights the significance of this international recognition for our organization
Innovation and Impact: The Urgent Foster Care Program
The Urgent Care Foster program stands out for its innovative approach and significant impact It provides a crucial service by offering temporary housing for pets without requiring a third-party referral, addressing a critical gap in support for survivors of domestic violence This program's success has inspired the creation of a manual to help other organizeations replicate our model. Additionally, the Urgent Foster Care program
incorporates social work interns, providing them with valuable experience and helping to increase the program's capacity
Celebrating Our Commitment to Excellence
This award is a testament to the innovative and impactful work of Toronto Humane Society in supporting survivors of domestic violence and their pets. It celebrates our commitment to excellence and our role as a model for other organizations worldwide The recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, and it underscores the importance of our mission.
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team, led by our Director of Social Work, Dillon Dodson, for their outstanding efforts and dedication. This award belongs to everyone involved in the Urgent Foster Care program, and it highlights the extraordinary impact we are making in the lives of both humans and animals
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for making Toronto Humane Society a beacon of hope and support for so many Let’s continue to build on this success and make an even greater difference in the years to come!
Celebrating Larisa Nagelberg: Recipient of the Alison Caird Young Leader Award for Transformative Contributions to Animal Welfare
Congratulations to Larisa Nagelberg, PMP, Toronto Humane Society's Director of Strategic Initiatives & Mission Advancement, on receiving the Alison Caird Young Leader Award by PAVRO -Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders Ontario.
This award recognizes and encourages excellence in the next generation of leaders within the Volunteer Engagement profession. Larisa initiated Toronto Humane Society’s Urgent Care program in 2020, providing vital temporary housing for animals whose guardians are facing crises The Urgent Care program relies on the generosity of foster parents who volunteer their time and their homes to care for animals enrolled in the program
By applying her skills in program development, partnership-building, and volunteer coordination, Larisa has overseen the care of over 1,000 animals each year. Her contributions have significantly impacted our organization and the broader community
Join us in celebrating Larisa's incredible achievement and her unwavering commitment to animal welfare and preserving the human-animal bond!
Essential Tips Heat Safety Tips Shared in the Media
Toronto recently experienced a significant heatwave during the week of June 17th, with temperatures soaring well into the 30s Celsius. As the city sweltered under the sun, concerns for pet safety became paramount for many residents Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Toronto Humane Society stepped up to provide crucial guidance on keeping pets safe during extreme heat conditions
Dr Karen Ward, Chief Veterinary Officer at Toronto Humane Society, played a pivotal role in raising awareness through interviews with major media outlets such as CP24, CTV, and CBC Her expert advice on preventing heat-related illnesses in pets, including heatstroke, reached an extensive audience. Within just 24 hours, Toronto Humane Society's tips were featured in 29 media mentions, collectively reaching over 92 million individuals This widespread coverage highlighted the community's concern for pet welfare during hot weather and the importance of implementing preventive measures
"It's crucial for pet parents to be proactive in protecting their pets from heat-related dangers," emphasized Dr Ward "Heatstroke can be fatal if not promptly recognized and treated"
To safeguard pets during heatwaves, Toronto Humane Society recommends the following key measures:
Provide regular moderate exercise and maintain healthy body weights.
Keep pets cool in hot weather, ideally indoors during heatwaves.
Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours
Avoid walking on hot asphalt to prevent paw burns.
Ensure pets have plenty of water, ice cubes, and wet their coats if they seem hot.
Consider clipping dense, long coats to help pets stay cool
Share pet-safe frozen treats, such as all-natural ice cream, popsicles, frozen peanut butter in Kongs, or refreshing fruits
As temperatures continue to rise during the summer months, Toronto Humane Society remains committed to providing resources and guidance to pet parents By taking proactive steps and staying informed, we can ensure our pets stay healthy and comfortable despite the challenges posed by summer heat. Let's work together to protect our furry companions and make this summer a safe and enjoyable season for all
Nominate A Volunteer or Staff Member to Win a CharityVillage Conference Award
When it comes to working and volunteering in the charitable sector, we know that we’re in it more to make a difference than for any accolades But recognition can certainly be motivating, too!
Do you know a volunteer or staff member at Toronto Humane Society who has gone above and beyond to create an outstanding impact on the organization and the community? Consider nominating them for a CharityVillage Conference Award to show your support and encouragement! These awards are administered by CharityVillage, a Canada-wide online resource and job board for the charitable sector.
Individual winners will be named in each of the following categories:
Best individual contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace
Best individual fundraising professional
Best individual volunteer management professional
Best individual contribution to workplace mental health
Best individual contribution to advancing youth in the workplace
Most outstanding individual impact – Volunteer
Most outstanding individual impact – Staff
Details on each of these categories can be found at https://charityvillageconference.com/categories/.
All individual nominations are made in the form of a short overview of no more than 300 words, highlighting the nominee’s commitment, their impact, the creativity of their contributions, and
any recognition they have received inside and outside their organization Click here for the recommended content of each category’s nominations.
Think about how meaningful it would be to a Toronto Humane Society volunteer or staff member to be acknowledged for their commitment with an award nomination. If someone’s coming to mind as you read this article, head over to CharityVillageConferencecom and fill out the form for your chosen category Make sure you have numbers to back up your claim of just how great this person is! Need help expressing their impact? Consider asking their peers and supervisors what they would say about the nominee
Thank you for taking the time to recognize a dedicated member of Toronto Humane Society’s community
All nominations, which can be submitted at no cost, are due July 31st, 2024.
Volunteer Updates
Anniversaries
Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are reaching a milestone anniversary this month! Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!
3 Years:
Angie S., PPSN Volunteer
Summer Vacations
Many volunteers are off for multiple months this summer, so if you can pick up extra shifts, it will be helpful! If you also need to be away, please remove your shifts ahead of time so we can get an idea of coverage You only need to email Volunteer Services if you need to miss 3 weeks or more in a row just so we can make note of it. For those of you away this summer, enjoy your vacations!
Dress Code Reminder
Please remember that all onsite volunteers must wear a shirt with the Toronto Humane Society logo, full-length pants (jeans, cargo, etc), and non-slip, closed-toe shoes The floors can sometimes be slippery, and we want to prevent any accidents, especially while walking dogs or moving around the building Therefore, non-slip rubber-soled shoes are mandatory For safety reasons, volunteers working directly with animals must also wear closed-toe shoes. Additionally, shorts and leggings are not permitted. We understand that summer heat can be uncomfortable, but please wear pants while volunteering onsite For complete dress code information, please consult the volunteer handbook. Feel free to bring a change of clothes and a lock for your volunteer locker, but remember to remove the lock after each shift due to limited availability Thank you, everyone!
Blue/Purple/Yellow Canine Volunteers needed forFridays
The shelter care team is looking for higher level canine volunteers onFridays. If you are a blue, purple or yellow trained canine volunteer willing to change your shift or add a shift for Fridays, please tell us. We are low on staff and volunteers forFridays, so any additional help would be greatlyappreciated Thank you kindly!
Volunteer Spotlight of the Month - Josie H!
We are so grateful for all our volunteers; we rely heavily on your support to meet our operational needs We want to take time once a month to extend our thanks to a volunteer who has had a positive impact at Toronto Humane Society based on staff/volunteer feedback.
This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on
Josie H. has been a volunteer with Toronto Humane Society since 2019 with around 100 hours of volunteer service and counting Initially, she
Josie H.!
started as a corporate events volunteer and for the past year she has been helping with the pet support and retail team. According to Josie, what drew her to start volunteering with us, “stems from my love for helping animals” On top of that, “I was looking to get more involved in the community”
After all these years, what keeps her coming back, “has a lot to do with the positive impact Toronto Humane Society has on the community,” she said Furthermore, “you see a lot of animals with different backgrounds enter Toronto Humane Society and I think it is amazing to see people want to help animals that are in need out of the kindness of their hearts”
Being a Pet Support and Retail volunteer means a lot to Josie She explained, “being able to get to assist people in potentially finding their animal and new family member is something I cherish.” Well Josie, we cherish you for all the help you’ve given us! Thank you so much for being so wonderful and for your continued support!
Please join us in celebrating Josie this month!
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in any of the opportunities listed below, please email Chris at cbuchner@torontohumanesociety.com
Team Experience Day Facilitators
We are looking for more volunteers to facilitate informative and interactive Team Experience Day sessions. This includes setting up activities, conducting tours, facilitating activities, and group animal interaction Tours are booked Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 8:30 and 11:30 running for 3 hours. We are looking for volunteers with facilitation experience and ideally canine handling experience/comfort Handling training for all species will be provided
Warehouse Donations Worker
Our warehouse team is looking for a volunteer to help with donations that we receive. The primary role of this position is receiving and processing incoming stock and materials, picking and filling internal orders from stock, packing and shipping supplies, and managing, organizing and retrieving stock in the warehouse.
Maintenance of the shelter’s storeroom includes stocking materials and supplies, inventory control and records, and related duties as required. This role requires lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling moderately heavy objects (20-50 pounds) and some combination of climbing and balancing to include stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. This role may expose the volunteer to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odours, noise extremes, hazardous materials, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers. This role allows us to help more members of our community through processing the daily donations we receive Please email us if you are interested in helping in the warehouse.
Upcoming Dates
Here are some exciting events and learning for volunteers that is free to attend:
Volunteer and Foster Parent Town Hall
Date: Thursday, August 22 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Event Details: This is forum for us to connect with our volunteers and foster parents to share important updates, get your input and/or answer any questions you may have!
Agenda: Department Updates, Q&A Session
Location: Zoom - Town Hall Registration to register.
If you missed the May Town Hall, you can watch it here https://youtu.be/MX43yRzbAFg
Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities
Staff Announcements
Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!
Here is a list of new staff members who have joined our team or moved internally
Alissa Nenoff, Certified Animal Trainer
Juan Rodriguez Associate, Annual Fund
Megan Doyle, RVT
Jennifer Ho, Veterinarian
Isabella Leo, Client Service Agent
Career Opportunities
Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving the the Lives of Animals 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@torontohumanesocietycom
Current Job Openings:
Donor Relations & Processing Agent
Shelter Admissions Associate
Public Support Services Agent
Shelter Supervisor
Foster Coordinator
Administrative Assistant, Fundraising
Administrative Assistant, Animal Sheltering and Strategic Initiatives
Manager, Rehoming
Lead Certified Animal Trainer - Canine
TikTok’s Live Steam Helps Miffy Find her Forever Home
As we continue to grow our TikTok channel, stories like Miffy's warm our hearts and remind us why we do what we do. This Happy Tail is a testament to the power of social media in connecting animals with loving homes
Mitzi, now Miffy, is a perfect example of this. Initially shy and hidden during our live streams due to recovery from dental surgery, she eventually stole the show with her stunning black and white fur Little did we know, one of our dedicated viewers was captivated by Miffy's charm and decided to welcome her into their home that very day
Maggie, Miffy's new pet parent, shared their heartwarming journey with us; “Miffy is so sweet and loves to explore my apartment and wake me
up at 8:30am every morning Miffy loves when I’m home and will sit right next to me all day if she can! She is sassy, good at setting boundaries and communication, and meows politely but incessantly when I leave the house I love her so much Her mouth has healed, and she’s switched over to Weruva wet food, but we’ve kept the same kibble she likes it best! Thank you so much for all your help in adopting her! PS make sure your TikTok live person sees this! That’s how I first saw Miffy!”
It's moments like these that underscore the impact of our online community Through our live streams and shared stories, we not only entertain but also create opportunities for wonderful animals like Miffy to find the love and care they deserve
The Impact of Team Experience Days at Toronto Humane Society
Toronto Humane Society’s Team Experience Day offer corporate teams a chance to forge deeper connections while making a tangible difference in the lives of animals. They are more than just a volunteering opportunity; it's an experience designed to strengthen team dynamics through meaningful engagement with the community and its animals Participants immerse themselves in the daily operations of Toronto Humane Society, gaining firsthand insights into the efforts required to uphold animal welfare and support the humananimal bond
Corporate Responsibility
The decision to participate in a Team Experience Day goes beyond corporate social responsibility; it's about actively contributing to a cause that resonates with the values of compassion and community. These experiences serve as a powerful team-building exercise, strengthening bonds through shared challenges and achievements The camaraderie developed during these activities translates into improved collaboration and communication within the workplace, ultimately benefiting the organization
Hands-On Involvement
During these immersive sessions, teams participate in various tasks tailored to Toronto Humane Society’s current needs From crafting enrichment toys for animals, stuffing kongs for dogs, or preparing bagged food for our Pet Food bank and Community Day events, every activity directly contributes to improving the quality of life for animals in our care and in the community
A Lasting Impact
At the end of a Team Experience Day, participants leave with more than memories; they depart with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to their community. The impact of their efforts is palpable in the wagging tails of grateful animals, in the smiles of fellow volunteers, and in the knowledge that they have played a part in making a meaningful difference.
2024 At a Glance
Toronto Humane Society has already hosted over 30 corporate groups in the first half of 2024 and there’s no slowing down with dozens on the books for the rest of the year We are so grateful for all the support so far and we’d like to share a few highlights from the corporate teams who’ve given their time this year.
Our First Community Wellness Pop-up Clinic of 2024
On April 26, 2024, Toronto Humane Society’s team of dedicated staff, students, and volunteers proudly partnered with Toronto Police Service, the City of Toronto, and St. Jamestown "The Corner" to host our first Community Wellness Pop-up Clinic of the year. This event marked a significant step in our ongoing efforts to support underserved community members by providing essential veterinary care and training and behaviour support for their beloved pets.
Our focus for this clinic was on dog support, and the response from the community was overwhelming. We were thrilled to see 31 community members and 37 dogs benefit from our services Over the course of the day, we administered 96 vaccines and provided other essential services to ensure the health and wellbeing of these pets.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible team Their commitment to animal welfare and community support shone brightly throughout the day. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved, from Toronto Humane Society staff and students to our wonderful volunteers and partners
Check out the infographic for a detailed breakdown of the clinic's impact and stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming community initiatives!
Let's continue working together to ensure that every pet and pet guardian in our community receives the support and care they deserve!
Toronto Humane Society Teams Up with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for a Wellness Clinic in Saugeen First Nation
From May 30th to 31st, 2024, the Georgian Triangle Humane Society held their first community wellness clinic in collaboration with their wonderful partners in Saugeen First Nation! We were thrilled to join a fantastic group of volunteers for this impactful event
Here's a snapshot of what we achieved together:
89 animals received wellness exams and vaccinations
714 pounds of food were distributed to community members
57 microchips were provided to pets
And that's not all! Check out the infographic for more details and photos from our exciting trip. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of animals and those who care for them!
1,000 Visitors Toured Toronto Humane Society for Doors Open 2024
With over 1,000 visitors, Toronto Humane Society was one of the most popular sites among more than 100 buildings that participated in Doors Open Toronto 2024. It was fantastic to see so many people interested in what we do.
Our guided tours took visitors through areas usually off-limits to the public The tour included a fascinating exhibit on our 137-year history, meeting adoptable animals, and much more. It was a great opportunity to showcase our mission and work
Visitors explored our rich history since 1886, learning about our milestones in animal welfare, providing a deeper understanding of our longstanding commitment to protecting animals
Meeting the animals available for adoption was a highlight for many. It was heartwarming to see families and individuals learning about their stories and considering giving them forever homes This interaction not only raised awareness about adoption but also connected people with the animals we care for in the community.
The tour also provided a rare look into areas usually off-limits to the public. Visitors saw where we care for sick and injured animals, learning about the medical treatments and rehabilitation processes we offer
This behind-the-scenes access helped our guests appreciate the extensive care and effort we put into each animal's recovery and well-being
Thanks to the generosity of our visitors, we raised $500 in donations over the two-day event. These funds will go directly towards helping the animals in our care Every dollar counts, and we are grateful for the community's support in making a difference.
We owe a huge thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made this event a success. Your dedication and hard work were instrumental in making our participation in Doors Open Toronto a memorable experience From guiding tours to sharing information and ensuring everything ran smoothly, your efforts did not go unnoticed.
Participating in Doors Open Toronto 2024 was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the community, raise awareness about our mission, and share the incredible work we do. We are thankful for everyone who visited, donated, and showed interest in supporting our cause
Canadian swimmer and animal rights advocate, Marilyn Bell, holding a dog from Toronto Humane Society, 1954 Image: Fonds 1409, Series 2589, File 6.
Child holding a kitten in front of a Toronto Humane Society vehicle, circa 1950s. Image: Source unknown
Upcoming Events
Canada Day (holiday)
July 1st
A day to celebrate the enactment of the Constitution Act in 1867 thereby establishing Canada as a new federation with its own constitution. Many communities across Canda are reimagining Canada Day to honor Indigenous communities as well.
Dalai Lama’s birthday
International Non-Binary Day
July 14th
This occasion shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrate the rich diversity of this community
Nelson Mandela International Day
July 18th
July 6th
A day to celebrate the Dalai Lama's birthday, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet
Muharram
July 7th
The first month of the Islamic calendar, during which warfare is forbidden It’s one of the four most sacred months of Islam, held to be the second holiest month of the Ramadan.
Nunavut Day
July 9th
A day to celebrate when Nunavut split from the Northwest Territories and became its own territory. It is a public holiday in Nunavut.
A day to celebrate and honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela The days aims to continue to advance the progress of his causes and activism work.
Asalha Puja
July 20th
A day to commemorate the beginning of the Buddhism faith.
Guru Purnima
July 21st
A day to honour all sacred and educational Gurus who have shared their wisdom to help evolve and enlighten people
Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.