“It is impossible to list the countless contributions that every single volunteer has made to the HBSPCA and it was important to us to spend a special evening honouring and recognizing all of our volunteers. From celebrating years of service, lifetime achievements, and significant impacts of individuals, we would not be able to make an impact in the world of animal welfare without our volunteers. Every story shared sharing what inspired them to dedicate their time leaves a tear in everyone’s eye.”
First-ever Paws for Cause Celebration
Today volunteering is considered an altruistic activity, the social glue that holds communities together and makes the world a better place. The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA has onboarded volunteers for important work for many years. Volunteers have become a crucial element of our organization as the number of volunteers has grown from 147 in 2023, and expected to be over 300 by the end of 2024 – that’s more than double!
Volunteers in our organization impact our people and animals in various ways; from starting each shift with a happy hello, to walking our dogs and providing much needed enrichment, to keeping our Pet Thrift shelves full and ready, to getting their hands dirty and cleaning out the kennels – and so much more!
The Director of Volunteer Services & Program Partnerships at the HBSPCA, Melissa Foley, shares the impact of our dedicated volunteers:
“The growth our organization has seen over its years is the result of the hundreds of volunteers that have dedicated their time to our mission. In the last year alone, we have welcomed over 170 new volunteers and foster parents to our organization. These folks have donated over 82,000 hours in 2024 alone.”
Given the volunteers' tremendous impact on the HBSPCA, the first-ever Paws for Cause Celebration on November 5, 2024, at Michaelangelo Banquet Centre in Hamilton was held. This night was dedicated to recognizing the many volunteers in the organization who commit themselves to our mission every day, as well as our Corporate & Community Partners.
The evening began with Cocktail Hour where attendees mingled with both familiar and new faces! During this time, guests were able to visit an information table to learn about our programs and other volunteer opportunities, pick up their much-deserved service pins, as well as having a little fun at the Smart Booth Images station to make memories!
Dinner and the Award Presentations began where the stories of our wonderful volunteers were heard. We thanked them for their unwavering support accompanied by heartfelt speeches and special tribute videos showcasing the incredible impact our volunteers make each day. The HBSPCA is incredibly thankful to all volunteers in all areas of our organization, and we simply cannot thank them enough.
Here is one of many fun photos that were captured at the Smart Booth Images station! Everybody from staff, to volunteers, to community partners, to friends and family got a chance to make a memory at this station! With lots of props to choose from, there were endless opportunities to make each photo your own.
There are many ways you can volunteer and make an impact
Here are just some examples of the hundreds of people who volunteer their time and compassion to helping the HBSPCA contribute to the well-being of animals and their people:
🐾 A retired nurse checking cats’ vitals post-surgery.
🐾 A woman who volunteers to pick up and deliver in honour of her mother’s lifetime of caring for animals in need.
🐾 A retired couple who has volunteered for decades doing whatever needed to be done to help people keep their pets healthy and happy.
🐾 High school students who participated in a student co-op experience that have led them to consider a career in animal welfare.
🐾 A mother and daughter combo who helped with cat socialization and went on to assist with wellness clinics.
🐾 A woman who, after a lifetime of having dogs – four in total, has become a foster parent.
🐾 Two people who work recruiting volunteers to join the HBSPCA and in the process have become fast friends.
🐾 A university student who not only does administration for the TNVR (trap, release, vaccinate, return) Program and helping caregivers with what they need, but who also helps in the warehouse.
🐾 A veterinarian who volunteers to perform pre-operative examinations of cats arriving for surgery, following which she assists with cat neuters and spays. Her presence frees up a second vet to tend to any shelter or foster pets with health concerns.
Whether you're a high school student, a post-secondary scholar, a seasoned professional, newly retired, part of a corporate team or a community group, there's a place for you here at the HBSPCA.
Our range of roles - from driving and enrichment to cleaning, administrative tasks, and being an integral part of our client and volunteer teams - ensures that every individual finds their perfect fit. Each role has a hand in improving the lives of animals in our care, and we want you to join our team of devoted volunteers!
Hear from some of our dedicated volunteers here:
“Our volunteer work is so fulfilling – it’s a piece of the puzzle of living a balanced life. It feels good to give back and it allows me to connect with her daughter. It’s also a mission that we both feel strongly about,” said Juniper, who volunteers in vaccination clinics.
“Two of our four dogs came from the HBSPCA so when I retired, it seemed like the obvious place to volunteer. Of course, I love animals, and I love helping with fundraising and communications to benefit the cause. The staff team is great and so supportive, too,” said Pearl, one of our long-time dedicated volunteers.
For more information about the Volunteer Experience at the HBSPCA and to start the volunteer process, visit our information page: https://www.hbspca.com/ways-to-help/volunteer
A quote from the CEO, John Gerrard, about what a Hamilton/Burlington SPCA volunteer looks like in his eyes:
"They are compassionate and resilient, stepping in to offer warmth and care, even on the toughest days. They walk dogs, socialize cats, clean kennels, and assist with countless tasks—whatever it takes to improve the lives of our animals. Our volunteers bring unique skills and kindness, investing countless hours and endless heart to ensure each animal is seen, heard, and, most importantly, loved."
