NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH HUMANE SOCIETY
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The Guelph Humane Society was pleased to recognize a $29,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), which has supported the organization be better positioned to help local vulnerable pet owners and their animals.
"As the MPP for Guelph I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to the Guelph Humane Society for receiving the Resilient Communities Fund Grant. The Guelph Humane Society provides invaluable resources to our community and does vital work with their animal rehabilitation services,” said MPP Mike Schreiner.
“Their strong educational programs have impacted the lives of thousands of children and youth, further promoting humane practices within the community. The Resilient Communities Fund grant is sure to help these services continue within Guelph and will support the Humane Society’s future endeavors in helping local animals and individuals living in our community. Thank you to the Guelph Humane Society for their continued commitment to promoting the importance of humane animal care within the City of Guelph."
The OTF grant, received in spring 2022, has equipped GHS team members with upgraded skills to meet the growing needs of participants in its GHS Care programs— programs that support disadvantaged populations by reducing barriers, increasing access to essential services and protecting the human-animal bond. With staff wellness in mind, and through developed relationships with Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington and Compass Community Services, the grant has also enabled GHS team members to receive Mental Health First Aid training, certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Team sessions to build empathy skills and resilience are also available. The grant also provided start-up support for a pet food bank to help Guelph and Wellington pet owners care for their pets during difficult times.
“The Guelph Humane Society’s GHS Cares Programs help Guelph and Wellington’s vulnerable pet owning community members access the social assistance they need by filling unrecognized gaps in our social service and healthcare system,” says Lisa Veit, GHS’s Executive Director. “We are grateful for the Ontario
Trillium Foundation’s support and the ability to give our team the tools they need to address high pressure and potentially challenging situations.”