Crabtree Foundation Gift
The Breaking Ground Building Campaign received an early Christmas present in the form of a generous gift from the Harold Crabtree Foundation toward a new home for Ottawa’s animals. The Ottawa-based foundation made a gift of $150,000 to the campaign in late December, bringing the campaign a big step closer to its target. Campaign staff submitted almost 40 applications and letters of intent to Canadian foundations that may have an interest in the project for the fall granting period. Another 20 or so will be submitted in the spring granting period.
Staff were concerned that the downturn in the stock market might adversely affect the chances of success with many, and a handful have responded negatively so far. The Crabtree gift is the second foundation to support the project to date, the campaign having received a $10,000 pledge from the Toronto-based Uplands Foundation in September.
Campaign Cabinet member Kenna McCall is assisting in researching U.S. foundations that may support the project.
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Introducing... Laurie Cole
I became involved in the campaign because I have always supported the Humane Society and I truly believe they provide an essential service to our community. From growing up on a farm, to helping my Grandmother at her kennels and studying to be a veterinary technologist, animals have always been a love of mine. When I was little I always thought I would have a big farm, where I would “house” all the abandoned, abused animals. So I guess by becoming part of the campaign, it is my way of helping ensure that abandoned and abused animals have a safe, clean, loving and spacious environment in our community. And, as the City of Ottawa grows, so will the number of these animals requiring the Humane Society’s help.
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Laurie Cole is the President of Cole Funeral Services. Laurie has committed to helping the Ottawa Humane Society build a better future for Ottawa’s animals by joining our campaign cabinet. |
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Volunteer Challenge
 Volunteers have always been the backbone of the OHS and its work to create a better life for Ottawa’s animals. Most not only give their time, but also support the animals with monetary gifts. Volunteers are so important to the OHS that it has been decided to create a special recognition area in the new facility that will highlight OHS volunteers and, in particular, those who help to create a brighter future for Ottawa’s animals through the Breaking Ground Campaign.
Campaign cabinet member Paula Fraser will be working with a select group of OHS volunteers to raise funds from the 600 OHS volunteers through a challenge between the various groups (dog walkers, foster families, office volunteers, etc.).
To date, volunteers have contributed over $31,000 of the $250,000 targeted for this group — a sizable sum considering that the campaign has yet to be publicly announced.
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Land Sale Complete
Despite a lot of last minute details to attend to, the sale of 271 West Hunt Club went through smoothly. Everyone at the OHS is excited to have completed this important step. In the days leading up to the possession date, the City of Ottawa agreed to release its $1.8-million contribution to the project based on the progress to date. The release of the city funds meant that the OHS could acquire the property without financing.
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