Two Good News Announcements!

Everyone at the OHS was excited to welcome two friends with terrific announcements about our Breaking Ground Building Campaign last month. On April 14, Minister John Baird visited the OHS to announce $1.8 million in federal infrastructure funding for the project. The following day, Provincial Minister Jim Watson announced $500,000 in provincial money. Both Ministers are long-time friends of the OHS and the animals.

John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, at the 2008 FurBall Gala	Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announcing provincial funding at the OHS, with Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi

The funding announcements bring the funds committed to over 63 per cent of the total required, though with the federal funding comes an obligation to complete the project by no later than March of 2011. While this is very possible, it will mean proceeding with designing and constructing the new facility faster than initially thought. It will also mean that we need to raise the remainder of the funds for the project soon. If you have been considering a pledge to the campaign, this is the time! Please call or write Anna Silverman at 613-725-3166, extension 279 or e-mail annas@ottawahumane.ca today to arrange your pledge or to obtain more information.

Young Supporters Making a Difference for the Animals

The need for a new home for the OHS and Ottawa’s animals has touched both young and old. Nine-year-old friends Olivia and Brianna set a $300 goal to help make this project a reality.

Building Campaign Manager Anna Silverman with young supporters, Olivia and Brianna.

Brianna wrote to tell us about their efforts. “Me and my best friend Olivia wanted to help the animals, so we decided to help the Humane Society. We are both dog lovers and I live on a farm. We love all animals. I thought it was a great idea to raise money for the new shelter when Olivia brought it up, so we went out and collected money from Olivia’s neighbours and friends. I also did extra chores on the farm to raise additional money.”

Together the two raised $289 for the new shelter.

When the two youngsters visited the OHS to present their gift, they were moved by the condition of the shelter, “…seeing all those animals cooped up told me we had done the right thing. We both plan on continuing to help the animals in any way possible because we know the animals are unhappy in there and they need more space, and that's why we did what we did.”

In the process, the two learned an early lesson in the joy of philanthropy, according to Brianna, “…we're glad we did...it felt soooo good!”

The OHS is looking at ways to recognize our youngest campaign contributors to the campaign in the new building.

Project Managers Moving New Shelter Project Forward

After a public tendering, the OHS hired MHPM Project Managers to help us in moving forward with our new shelter. One of the largest firms in the country, MHPM has assisted the OHS in all of the early planning phases of the project.

OHS Executive Director Bruce Roney was pleased with the result of the process. “I am really happy that MHPM was the successful bidder for this. We don’t have the expertise to manage a project of this magnitude, and they have been there from the beginning, helping us ensure that we get everything right.”