April 28, 2025
More Than 800 Reasons to Celebrate
It takes a community to build a more humane and compassionate world for animals. The heart of that community? Our volunteers.
National Volunteer Week started just yesterday, and I’m thinking about the incredible impact of more than 800 people who give their time, skills and compassion to the animals and the people who love them. From walking dogs to spending time with cats and small animals, supporting our fundraising events, fostering animals who need them most, or helping behind the scenes in administration, our volunteers fill every inch of the OHS.
Quite simply, we could not do this work without them. Volunteers make it possible for us to provide care to thousands of animals every year. And this is no small commitment, last year OHS volunteers gave more than 50,000 hours for the animals — a monumental achievement.
It’s these efforts that ensure homeless animals find second chances, that our programs and services reach those who need them most, and that love, hope and kindness continue to grow in our city.
I am endlessly grateful for their dedication and generosity, for believing in second chances, and for making Ottawa a more humane place for animals and the people who love them.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
Sharon Miko
President & CEO