one by one®: The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) is one of Ontario’s largest humane societies, operating two animal shelters to support pets and their owners within 13 of the province’s municipalities. It’s an animal welfare charitable organization committed to promoting the human-animal bond and focusing on the responsible treatment of animals through education, collaboration, compliance, advocacy and care.
Though it employs about 80 people, the organization’s estimated 300 volunteers make much of the work possible. Along with veterinary clinics in the cities of Kitchener and Stratford, the HSKWSP services include pet adoption, emergency boarding, a pet pantry program, support for lost and found pets, cremation and memorial services, and community outreach and education.
Pantry stocks custom collapsible pet bowls
During the pandemic, the HSKWSP launched a pet pantry program. Its team recognized a need for services to help people and their pets stay together through times of crisis. The program assists individuals and families experiencing financial challenges and collaborates with social service organizations to help people experiencing homelessness or those facing housing insecurity who are caring for pets.
With the help of a one by one grant, the humane society was able to purchase collapsible pet bowls for the pantry. “We serve a lot of people suffering from homelessness or who are in situations where they don’t really have a place to call home and they’re staying in shelters,” said Nasreen, marketing and communications manager. “The collapsible bowls work really well for people who just have their belongings they can carry with them.”
Photo credit: Kinsey Winger Photography
Nasreen said during the hot summer months, members of the HSKWSP team visit local festivals and events and give out the collapsible bowls to people whose pets looked stressed because of the heat and are in need of water. “People love the bowls,” she said. “They’re helpful, especially for people who are going from place to place.”
Providing a boost
As a charitable organization, the HSKWSP prides itself on being self-governed and self-funded. Unlike many animal welfare organizations, it does not receive funding from the government, and instead relies solely on the generosity of community members. For that reason, Nasreen said opportunities like the one by one grant make a major difference. “This means the world to us, to be honest,” she said.
A note from Cheryl
The HSKWSP is doing important work for the people and pets in its communities. We were touched by the team’s dedication and care and happy to provide custom collapsible pet bowls to help advance its mission. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.