Humane Insider - December 2023

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.