Humane Society Optimistic After Successful Year - Hold First Online AGM

Humane Society Planning For The Future At First Ever Online AGM

KITCHENER, ONTARIO: The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth celebrated its 2019 accomplishments while planning for the future during its Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. For the first time in the 93-year history of the organization the meeting was held online.

As Ross Wells, the outgoing President of the Board of Directors stated, “Although we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a shutdown of our economy, the events of 2020 will help us remember 2019 fondly…”

Celebrating 2019 included the following highlights:

- 2,921 Animals Rescued

- 1,844 Animals Adopted

- 665 Animals Returned Home

- 2,232 Spay/Neuter Surgeries and 2,855 Total Surgeries Performed at the animal hospitals

- 250+ Volunteers

- 67 Foster Families who fostered 484 animals

- 25,397 Students who learned about animal welfare

AGM Details

The organization thanked Ross Wells for his leadership, dedication and hard work as he stepped down as President but noted that he remains an active and enthusiastic member of the Board.

Jacqueline Watty of Perimeter Institute, previously Vice President of the Board, was elected as the new President. “I enjoy working alongside the leadership of the KWSPHS as we work to make decisions that are best for the organization and the long-term vision of animal welfare in Canada” said Jacqueline.

Making up the remainder of the executive team are Vice-President, Jan Bockmaster, retired; Treasurer, Jared Doyle of McCarter Grespan Lawyers; and Secretary, David Isern of Norton Rose Fulbright.

Working with the executive team are returning Directors Alex McIntosh of the University of Waterloo; Kate Phillips of BDO Canada LLP; Mary Recoskie of Sun Life; Nancy Culliton, retired; Ross Wells of Wells Resolutions; and Tyler Graham of Graham & Frank Wealth Management with RBC Dominion Securities. New to the Board this year are Colin Calvert of Nicoya; Kelly McCann, CPA CA of Festival Hydro; and Krista Linklater of St Marys Healthcare Foundation.

Along with passionate commitment and dedication each of these Board members brings knowledge, experience and insightful perspectives to the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth.

The Annual General meeting concluded with an optimistic outlook for 2020-2021 as the KWSPHS continues to resume its programs as part of its COVID19 recovery plan. “The need to protect people and pets in our communities remains consistent and the reality is that as our communities grow, so does the need for our services” says Kathrin Delutis, Executive Director. “We’ve had to change the way we operate while continuing to care for the animals that need us, adapt our services, and in many cases, change the priority of services to best support our communities. We have a very dedicated team of volunteers and staff who simply ‘just make it happen’ and I am proud to lead this amazing group of people.”