Plane_l_P[oject BetterPianet Campaign Passes Midpoint fficially launched last September, the $200million BetterPianet Project campaign has already raised $110 million from communities, industries, governments and individuals. Last year alone, the project drew contributions from more than 14,000 people. Alumni support is the foundation of our success, says Joanne Shoveller, vice-president (advancement), but The BetterPianet Project has also generated confidence among philanthropists, organizations and companies who have invested large gifts. "Several have stepped forward to support faculty who will be change agents in our food strategy, our environmental platform and our role in society. And new individual donors are supporting students in their learning and in outreach activities that improve quality of life for people and communities around the world. "This unique campaign is transforming the levels and the ways that people and companies give; it's also transforming the University through these investments," she says. Shoveller credits the leadership of campaign chair and 1980 alumnus Tye Burt, president and chief executive officer of Kinross Gold Corp. and vice-chair of the University's Board of Governors. She also cites the efforts of U of G administrators, deans, faculty, students, alumni, staff, board members, volunteers and donors. "This is an ambitious effort that we are undertaking together," she says. By focusing on its strengths, the University has developed a unique niche in university fundraising. "The campaign goal is to enhance work by U of G professors in food, water, environment, health and communities - pillars of The BetterPianet Project and issues at the root of many of the world's challenges. "It's an incredible opportunity to work alongside a growing, passionate community of people." But we must maintain the momentum, she adds, to exceed the campaign's $200-million goal by 2014.
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OVC Health Sciences Centre chief operating officer Sherri Cox, left, and radiation oncologist Valerie Poirier view the site of the college's new linear accelerator, which will open in November to treat cancer in pets.
Gift to Pet Trust Supports Animal Cancer Centre
T
he Angel Gabriel Foundation
has partnered with Pet Trust to begin leading-edge radiation therapy for pets undergoing cancer treatment at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).The foundation's $1-million gift provides principal support to purchase a linear accelerator and prepares OVC to offer safer, more effective radiation treatments for its patients. Key to that service is the arrival of radiation oncologist Valerie Poirier, who joined the OVC Health Sciences Centre in August. Originally from Quebec, she studied and worked at the Universities of Montreal, Wisconsin and Zurich and has diplomate status from both the American College ofVeterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) and the American College ofVeterinary Radiology (Radiation Oncology). In 2007 she moved to Australia to work at the Brisbane Veteri-
nary Specialist Centre, wh ere she developed the only radiation unit for animals in the southern hen"lisphere. Poirier's position is funded by Pet Trust, Canada's first charitable fund dedicated entirely to advancing the health and well-being of companion animals. The Angel Gabriel Foundation is a previous supporter of Pet Trust initiatives in learning health care and research. This new gift pushes Pet Trust over the $1 0-million mark toward raising $15 million to establish an animal cancer centre intended to afford pets the most advanced and effective treatments. Construction of the cancer centre at OVC began earlier this year. A gala fundraising dinner planned for Oct. 13 will also support the acquisition of the linear accelerator. For information about the gala and/or the OVC Pet Trust Fund, contact managing director Karen Scott at or 519-824-4120, Ext. 54370.
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