GUELPH – Guelph Humane Society’s (GHS) A Hop Through Wonderland Happy Tails Gala, returned on Nov. 5 after a three-year hiatus and managed to raise more than $180,000 for the organization.
Proceeds from the gala will help fund critical veterinary care, shelter, food and life’s necessities for homeless and neglected animals in Guelph and Wellington County.
“The community’s support of an event like this enables us to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of animals in our community,” executive director Lisa Veit states in a press release.
“GHS provides essential care and a safe place for healing, resilience, recovery and rehabilitation for animals that have nowhere else to turn. As a registered charity, it is donor support that allows us to serve as a place where miracles really can happen.”
Animal lovers, donors, supporters and staff spoke to a sold-out crowd of 260 people, showcasing the evening’s theme of closeness, and how being closer to us (GHS) brings them closer to home.
“The Guelph Humane Society provides such an important role in our community,” shared Sharon Marostega-Hammond, co-owner of Speedy Auto Service, the event’s title sponsor.
“The hope, care and compassion the Guelph Humane Society provides is why we are sponsoring and standing here with you tonight. We donate to the great programs they offer so that animals like our cat Nala will have a chance for a better happy life.”
The highlight of the evening included a video created by Ward1 Studios demonstrating the impact of supporting the GHS and a call to the community to stand up and make a commitment to closeness, a commitment to home which raised $59,400.
“I am humbled by the incredible generosity in this room tonight,” said Veit during the event.
“It warms my heart and reminds me that every day, we have our community cheering us on, to help the animals that need our help and to create a more compassionate community for them. I cannot thank our community enough.”
