Councillors here have said ‘no’ to providing a discount rental for a Global Vets fundraiser.
At the Dec. 7 meeting Stephanie Wong of the Global Vets 2017 committee stated in correspondence, “We are a passionate team of 37 second year veterinary students at the Ontario Veterinary College within the University of Guelph.
Global Vets is a non-profit organization that began in 1997 by two second year veterinary students.”
Wong said the group’s philosophy promotes international collaboration on veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, animal welfare and agricultural development.
The team will travel to various underdeveloped and developing countries this summer, to volunteer time to provide veterinary care in areas of need.
“We hope to bring back knowledge and confidence in our capabilities to benefit the health of animals and humans in our home communities,” Wong said.
Since it is a non-profit organization, the organization requires funding for its projects to be feasible.
The Global Vets Gala being held at the Puslinch Community Centre on Jan. 14 is one of many events organized to fundraise towards the Global Vets cause.
“Not only does the Global Vets program enrich the educational experience for students and bring back invaluable teaching tools for the community, it also allows us to spread the value of something called One Health – a growing concept that animal, human and environmental health are tightly linked and highly interdependent – something veterinary medicine has been promoting for the past few decades.”
Councillor Susan Fielding did not support providing any discount to the group.
She reasoned “we do for our own community groups … but we have a lot of people who book our hall for fundraisers … we could constantly be doing this.”
Mayor Dennis Lever agreed that most discounted rentals tended to be for Puslinch-based groups.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer noted the township’s draft policy speaks to the issue.
Council voted to decline the requested fee discount.
