The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) is grateful to be the recipient of a grant that will supports the work of the GTHS Humane Education Program. The $2800 grant provided from the Rotary Club of South Georgian Bay ensures that this program that works with youth and animals in the community, continues to impact 2000 youth annually.
“The goal of our Humane Education Program at GTHS is to teach students about the special relationship humans have with companion animals, recognizing that we share many of the same physical and emotional needs. Concepts taught in our comprehensive program promote and encourage further development of important character and life-building skills including empathy, sensitivity, responsibility, respect, compassion and kindness to all living beings. Our exciting Humane Education Program is aligned with the Ontario curriculum and supports a vast amount of research which clearly shows that integrating humane education into the classroom can lead to reductions in school violence and bullying, while supporting moral development and instilling a sense of responsibility for others, both animals and people.” stated Sonya Reichel, executive director for GTHS.
The GTHS is thankful for the continued support from individuals, businesses and clubs like The Rotary Club of South Georgian Bay. Relying solely on donations, this grant will make a lasting impact to their efforts in animal welfare.
Starting in March the GTHS will be offering two afterschool programs: the Junior Volunteers and the Pet Sitters Course.
The Junior Volunteer Program is a brand new initiative for the GTHS and invites youth aged 10 – 14 to participate in adult supervised enrichment with our kittens and adult cats. Participants will have the opportunity to log 10 hours of community service (including the training hours) if they attend all 5 sessions. Volunteers are welcome to count these towards their school community service hours, as long as they have met the requirements of their school board. Junior Volunteers must bring the appropriate documents to each session and our Humane Education Coordinator or designate will be happy to sign off on these hours.
GTHS will also be offering two spring sessions of our Pet Sitters Course beginning in March and again in May. Engaging youth 8-14 years old, this certification course will help participants gain an understanding of how dogs and cats are different and require different care; learn about feeding, watering, and exercising pets; discover different emergency situations they may encounter and how to handle them; learn the types of questions to ask and the information they need from your potential clients when making the initial home visit; learn what to do when a pet gets lost or needs expensive veterinary care; and, earn a Pet Sitters certificate endorsed by the GTHS so they can start finding new clients for the busy summer months in Collingwood and surrounding areas.
