Empathy with animals is what makes Ontario SPCA volunteers shine

Empathy is at the heart of National Volunteers Week Canada, which runs from April 24 to 30, 2022, and it’s a trait every Ontario SPCA and Humane Society volunteer brings to the role. their. Our volunteers not only contribute their time, they also Change life.

Empathy helps people relate to each other and connects people with different feelings, ideas, and actions. It’s about seeing the world through the eyes of others. Empathy builds capacity, strengthens hearts, and forms unbreakable bonds. Our volunteers understand the feelings and struggles of the animals they are helping through their service.

Ontario SPCA volunteers have given back in a variety of ways. Did you know that, in a typical year, more than 1,000 trips are made by empathetic volunteers who squeeze and roll to help animals? These dedicated drivers transport animals to find new homes and take them to appointments for medical care.

Animals in our center awaiting adoption would not be able to receive the regular exercise, care, play and love they get without our volunteers. These dedicated people take an average of 3,100 walks per year that dogs eagerly look forward to, and they provide a rich 5,600 cat activities in a typical year to keep them social and happy.

Our foster family volunteers show empathy each time they open their homes and hearts to furry friends who need their love and comfort. They dedicate themselves to comforting friends who are on their way to find a permanent home. In a typical year, 112 foster families would be the change needed for animals that need more TLC and a quiet environment to thrive.

Ontario SPCA volunteers give their time in a variety of ways. Volunteer to help with educational sessions, drive animals, support clinics, deliver services and online content, or even take pictures for campaigns. In a typical year, more than 350 animals are photographed by volunteers.

Volunteers give their time for different reasons, but what we hear most is that they want to give back to their community. They embody empathy and we can’t thank them enough for all they do for animals! Happy National Volunteer Week to our hardworking, inspirational volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of animals every day.

To read more about some of our incredible volunteer stories, check out:

The story of Barb, one of our longtime volunteers,

Linda Morgan’s Milestone of Adopting 100 Cats and Counting,

Or Lea’s account of getting a shy cat to trust her, just in time for her kittens to be born!

Send a sincere message

We invite you to join us as we celebrate our volunteers by marking this special week in recognition of their amazing work and dedication. Click here to send our volunteers a heartfelt e-card to let them know how much you appreciate the work they do!

Volunteers

Interested in volunteering? Learn more at ontariospca.ca/volunteer