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NWT SPCA
Report to the Community
2014-2015
Thank you for your generous support and helping us
achieve the results outlined in this Report to the
Community.
NWT SPCA Report
Mission
To protect and enhance the quality of life for all domestic animals in NWT and to
help support the North in appreciating and learning the value of the northern dog in
today’s society.
Vision
To prevent animal cruelty; educate about
humane treatment of animals; provide
shelter and love to abandoned and abused
animals; and encourage adoption to
suitable homes. Through education and
programming, we hope to promote
responsible pet ownership and encourage
spaying/neutering, so animals can live the
best life possible.
Our goal is to engage and encourage our society to
create communities where all animals who depend
on humans for their wellbeing can experience
freedom from hunger and thirst, pain and injury,
distress and discomfort. To be a positive influence
within our Community.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Message from the President
Dearest Friends and Supporters;
It has been another successful year! In 2014/15 the NWT SPCA rescued 623 unwanted,
injured, homeless, neglected and abused animals. We found loving families for 268
homeless animals and transferred 326 animals to our trusted network of animal rescue
organizations south.
In addition to housing and caring for the animals that come through our shelter, the
SPCA promotes responsible pet ownership and provides an affordable spay/neuter
program through our Great Slave Animal Hospital partnership. We are proud to have
provided 28 spay and neuters to community families in this fiscal year.
The NWT SPCA relies primarily on the kind support of private donors. We apply annually
for publically available funding but do not always get awarded the grants. Fund
raising events such as the Valentines Gala, Raffles, Pet Calendar sales, Annual Dog
Jog and Tunes & Tails/Comedy Night and our ongoing recycle program makes up the
majority of our revenue. We will continue to look for and hopefully secure on-going
funding from Government agencies. Our animal intakes from the NWT communities
are about 93% yet we get no funding from the NWT Territorial or Federal Government.
We did receive $10,000 funding grant in this fiscal year from the City of Yellowknife. We
also received a very generous donation from the Eric Margolis Foundation.
This past year we have been involved in so many events and activities thanks to the
support of other organizations and business. Our goal is to be a positive organization
within the NWT and to work effectively with other non-profit groups. In May 2014 we
were awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Honorable Robert C.
McLeod. We are very proud to be the recipient of this accolade and thank those that
recognized us.
The kindness of our supporters with their time, money
and compassion have helped save so many lives
this past year. We look forward to the future of our
organization which will continue to provide
protection and care for the animals that need it
most and strive toward educating the youth of the
NWT about domestic animals and their value to our
society.
Sincerely,
Nicole Spencer
- President
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Introduction
The NWT SPCA is a non-profit, charitable, volunteer Board-ran organization dedicated
to improving the quality of life for all domesticated animals in the North since 1988.
We do this through general public education and awareness, relationship building in
communities and partnering with organizations outside and within the NWT. We are
fortunate to be able to offer various programs and services to the residents in the NWT.
These services include animal rescue and protection initiatives, pet food and supplies
for communities, adoption and fostering, and various volunteer shelter programs. We
also offer a community spay/neuter program partnering with Great Slave Animal
Hospital. We are proud to say we opened our first animal shelter in October 2012 and
continue to complete, improve and build on the facility and the programs we offer.
We provide placement for Yellowknife Association for Community Living - Workability
Program and also encourage high school students to volunteer for the community
hours for credits. We are a positive and important organization in the Territory.
Due to our passionate and generous sponsors and supporters we are able to employ
four staff at our facility. We could not run the shelter without our dedicated employees.
The shelter and the organization overall would not be possible without the
overwhelming public support of Yellowknife residents and businesses, and others in the
NWT, Nunavut and beyond. We are always grateful for any and all support!
The following Report to the Community is a breakdown of what our group
accomplished over the fiscal year 2014-2015, including events, programs, various
initiatives and our financial report. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
Summer 2014 -we finally got our name on the building thanks to Randy Hilworth.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Geographic Area and Intakes
We are the NWT SPCA and therefore try to help all communities in the Territory that
ask us. There are many limitations to rescue in the North. Two big factors are the
isolation of communities and the cost of getting animals to Yellowknife. This year we
were able to help the following regions in the Northwest Territories and parts of
Nunavut. The most dogs as the chart illustrates come from the North Slave Region.
This is likely due to the closer proximity to Yellowknife. The Sahtu and Beaufort Delta
regions have had a veterinary program for the past several years and the positive
impact is illustrated in these results. The numbers and communities we help is also
very dependent on the people in a particular area willing to help. If there is no
advocate in a community then no animals will be sent out. This year we helped 24
NWT communities and six Nunavut communities. Yellowknife numbers are separate
from the regions because this year we started to receive dogs not claimed at the
Great Slave Animal Hospital pound.
Number of Dog Intakes per Region
NUMBER OF DOGS
250
200
150
100
50
0
Beaufort
Delta
Sahtu
Dehcho North Slave South Slave Yellowknife Nunavut
COMMUNITIES IN NWT AND NUNAVUT
The following are the communities that we assisted in this fiscal year.
Beaufort Delta (26)
Sahtu (24)
Dehcho (56)
North Slave (237 + 63)
Aklavik
Inuvik
Tuktoyuktuk
Ulukhaktok
Deline
Fort Good Hope
Norman Wells
Tulita
Fort Liard
Fort Simpson
Trout Lake
Wrigley
N’Dilo
Behchoko
Dettah
Gameti
South Slave (56)
Nunavut (57)
Fort Providence
Fort Resolution
Fort Smith
Hay River
Kugluktuk
Cambridge Bay
Taloyoak
Wekweeti
Whati
Lutsel k’e
Yellowknife (63)
Coral Harbor
Gjoa Haven
Kugaaruk
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Animal Statistics
Animal Facts & Figures
290
ADOPTIONS
326
TRANSFERS
20
7
REMAINING
ANIMALS
DECEASED
In the NWT and Nunavut there are many more dogs than any other domestic animal
in need of help. Normally our intakes consist of 90% dogs and 7% cats and 3% other
smaller pets. This year we were active in helping out other southern rescues with the
over population of felines. Our intake for cats from Alberta this year was 50 animals.
Our cat intakes this year increased to 78 in total.
Facts about our Rescue and Transfer Program

We have contacts in many of the communities. We have RCMP and Bylaw
officers, Senior Administrative Officers (SAO’s) or other concerned citizens
contact us about helping to get unwanted dogs out of the community. We
do our best with the resources we have. We would not be able to save as
many animal as we do if it were not for these caring individuals whom we
have the highest respect.

We are a no kill shelter. However because we sometimes get animals in very
poor health, at times we have to make the decision to euthanize due to the
animals suffering. We do not make this decision lightly and very much
depend on the medical advice of our local veterinarian. This year
unfortunately we lost 7 dogs and one cat.

We also have contracts with the southern rescue organizations that if for
some reason they feel it is necessary to euthanize one of the animals we have
sent them, they are obligated to contact us to give us the option to take
them back or agree with the decision.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Calendar of Events-2014/2015
April 2014
May
-Yellowknife Chamber
of Commerce
Tradeshow
-Fred Henne Park Poop
Pick-up
June
- Midnight Sun
Motorcycle Run
- Borealis 22st
Anniversary BBQ
-Farmers Market
July
-Anniversary and
Volunteer
Appreciation BBQ
and Raffle Draw
-Telus BBQ &
Volunteer Day
August
-Production of
Calendar
-Farmers Market
-Ramble & Ride
Garden Tour
-Art Show
September
-Carnival & Dog Jog
-Lutsel k’e Vet Clinic
October
-Tunes and Tails
Comedy & Auction
at Top Knight
November
-Calendar Sales
Begin
-Christmas Card
Photo Shoot
-Dettah Vaccine
Clinic
December
-Christmas
Market
-NUP Craft Sale
January 2015
February
-Gatspy Affair
Valentines Gala
March
-Behchoko
Vaccination Clinic
-Easter Pet Photo
Shoot
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
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Community Events and Projects
INTERACTING WITH
OUR PUBLIC
All of our events and
activities are very
community oriented. We
have BBQs every summer
usually partnering with
other non-profit
organizations such as
NWT Riders Association.
The event this year raised
about $2000.
NWT Riders BBQ Midnight Sun Run June 2014
Annual Pet Calendar Project (produced in 2014 for 2015)
The Farmers Market was
a great way to interact
with the community as
well. And let’s not forget
the Long John
Jamboree.
Our Annual Dog Jog is
now The Family CarnivalDog Walk. We presented
our Scholarships this year
as well.
In 2014 we partnered
with the Aurora Arts
Society as well as Borealis
Pet Supplies for
fundraising events.
And of course the Annual
Gala was a huge success
with the roaring 20’s –
Great Gatspy - theme!
Tunes & Tails Comedy Night October 2014
April 2015
NWT SPCA Report
Farmers Market
The Summer of 2014, the NWT SPCA set
up a table at the outdoor Farmer
Market in the Sombe K’e Park for the
first time. We were there every Tuesday
for several weeks over the season.
Along with many other local vendors
we advertised our wares and our dogs.
It was a fantastic opportunity to show
off and sell our great merchandize
from Dog is Good and our NWT SPCA
swag. We sold our Raffle tickets there
as well. It was an overall great success.
Telus Day of Giving at the Shelter July 2014
Amanda Mallon (with Bella and Nutmeg)
presenting Stephanie Vandeputte with $720
from the Garden Tour- Ramble & Ride.
Aurora Art Society and Gallery on 47th.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Annual NWT SPCA Raffle Draw
Our Raffle exceeded our expectations. This year the
revenue from this exciting event was $55,000 thanks to a
private supporter who donated the Ford F150 truck. A big
thank you as well to Lord Long John Andy Hutchinson for
donating the First Air tickets he won from the previous Long
John Jamboree. Inspired also donated a wonderful prize as
did Mother Earth Rocks.
Rebecca Plotner made this amazing
cake for the 2014 NWT SPCA Raffle
Draw & BBQ Event.
Annual Valentines Gala- Infinite Hope- A Gatspy Affair
This year we had an amazing Gala thanks
to our Gala Committee (Michelle Rees,
Sarah Johnson and Stephanie
Vandeputte). The event was well
attended and the feedback was positive.
This year our efforts paid off. Our revenue
was $37,700 from the event which
included tickets sales, auction items and
donations for selected programs. This is
up $12,000 from last year’s Gala.
Yellowknife was invited to a roaring 20’s
Party – And party we did.
Stephanie, Sarah and Michelle!
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Family Carnival Day & Dog Walk
It was a cold cold day in Septemebr when we had this event. It was a great idea
and considering the freezing temperatures we had a successful turn-out. This year
we decided to expand the long time Dog Jog to be a family day. We made it into
an event with multiple facets. It was a childrens play day with Bouncy Castles and
games, cotton candy and hot chocolate. It was also the annual Dog Jog. We used
this opportunity to award two Maureen Goldsmith and one NWT SPCA scholarships
and to show off some of our dogs. The event brought in about $4000.
Our volunteers were amazing as usual and
Thanks to Jay Bear we had music and fun.
A couple of pup-participants at the Carnival!!
Indie McNiven and her dog Aloha at the event!
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Programs
The NWT SPCA has many programs in place to benefit people in Yellowknife, NWT
communities and the animals they care for.
Dog Walking Program
At our shelter we offer a dog walking program
which benefits the dogs as well as our volunteers.
People get exercise and the dogs get out of
their kennels and are socialized. It also promotes
family bonding and education for children to
appreciate the commitment in caring for an
animal. It is an opportunity as well to recognize
the work of our oprganization and the hard work
of our staff and volunteers. Safety is a priority at
the shelter and thanks to donated reflective
vests from the Winter Road Joint Venture all of
our dog walkers are visible at all times. It really is
a win-win program.
Community Spay and Neuter Program
For $250 a family can send their dog to us in Yellowknife and we will get the dog
spay or neutered, and vaccinated if needed. The dog is then sent back to the
family in the community. This directly and immediately helps the dog population
problem in the NWT communities, and therefore lessens the suffering of the
unwanted dogs and pups. When possible we also send educational material to the
family for the children of the home. This program is possible because of our
partnership with First Air, Buffalo, Air Tindi, and Great Slave Animal Hospital. This year
we helped 27 dogs and 1 cat and their families with this program.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
NWT SPCA & Maureen Goldsmith Memorial Scholarships
The NWT SPCA funds one $500 scholarship
annually to recognize and reward an
individual who contributes both in their
education and extracurricular activities to
the betterment of Animals in the North. This
year the family of our dear friend Maureen
Goldsmith, who passed away in December
2013, set up a scholarship program. This year
we had three $500 scholarships in total.
(Rose Youngblut- sister of Maureen Goldsmith- awarding a $500 Scholarship to Cantal Lavoie- Her
father accepted the award.)
Northern Community Pet Food & Supplies Program
The NWT SPCA sends food, crates, tie-outs, collars and leashes to the residents of the
communities. With the help of caring residents, bylaw officers, SAO’s and RCMP we
are making a difference for the communities pets and the people. We send 1000’s of
pounds of food and crates to communities each year mainly by Air Tindi and Buffalo
and driving where possible. Thanks to the Yellowknife Food Rescue and individual
item/food donations this is possible.
Northern Dog Transfer Network (Hero Campaign)
For several years now we have a program that allows community members to send
us unwanted dogs. This offers an alternative to shooting them. The southern rescues
in our Network allow us to transfer out many dogs thus allowing us to make room for
more coming in. Our transport has grown to nearly 600 dogs a year. The cost of
taking these dogs out of the communities is
$1000’s a year. The HERO Campaign is a
way for our supporters to SAVE a dog. For
about $100 you can fly a dog from a
community to Yellowknife on Air Tindi. Our
corporate sponsor First Air will fly dogs at half
price through cargo to Edmonton. We also
get 10 free dog flights to Edmonton. Buffalo
Air also flies out dogs for us and ships crates
and food when needed. We have a
fantastic airline support system that makes all
of our efforts possible.
Ginger: Now living in British Columbia
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Foster Program
The NWT SPCA has a program which allows people to have a dog or cat in their
home until it is adopted. It gets animals out of the shelter that do not do well there.
We have many animals that need safe loving homes for stays of a few days to a few
weeks. We look for people who can care for animals awaiting permanent adoption
or transport to another rescue organization. It is ideal for those who cannot commit
long term to having a pet. We currently have about 20 approved foster families and
have 10 active. This program is vitally important to the dog or cat’s socialization and
therefore their adoptability. We cannot thank our Fosters enough for this
commitment and gift to these animals.
Miller and Andy being daytime fostered at
Sutherlands Drugstore. Andy was soon adopted
by Stephen Gwilliam co-owner of the store. Miller
was adopted to a family in Alberta when we sent
her south.
Recycling Program
This year we continue with the recycling program. We
regularly get bottles from The Explorer Hotel and also
some companies and individuals around town.
Periodically throughout the year we get some from the
mines. It all adds up and is a constant revenue for our
organization. During the summer months our wonderful
volunteers sort, count and bag the recycling and bring
it to the Bottle Depot on Airport Road. Thank you to
Adam from the Bottle Depot for being a great supporter
of this initiative. This year we made approximately
$11,000 from the recycling program.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Pet Card Financing Program
PetCard offers a simple and affordable way to finance the
treatment your pet needs and it allows you to get it without
delay. PetCard's veterinary financing programs ensure that you
don't delay the treatment your pet needs due to cost concerns,
by offering you a variety of financing terms with convenient
monthly payments. We recommend people to use this service
when needing vet care if they cannot afford the bill all at once.
The alternative is giving up their pet. www.petcard.ca
Accomplishments /Other Projects & Activities
This year we have a number of new projects and accomplishments. Our intention is to
improve on existing programs but also introducing ways to further our cause and
reach out to our public in different ways. Our goal is always to grow our membership
and increase our revenues so we can continue doing as much as we can for the
northern animals in need. We were very much honored and please to be recognized
with the 2013 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Award received in May 2014.
May 2014 - Recipient of the 2013
NWT Outstanding Volunteer Award
Michelle Rees was our representative. The award was
presented by Premier Bob McLeod.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic
In the 2013 a very generous supporter
and
friend
donated
the
funds
specifically for the equipment for a
mobile spay/neuter clinic. We can now
go into a community with a veterinarian,
technicians and volunteers to spay and
neuter the dogs (or cats). We had our
first clinic in October 2014 in Lutsel k’e.
There were 22 clients, $900 donation for
the service and 12 neuters. Thanks to Air
Tindi and Brian Green from the Lutsel k’e
Co-op Store for their generosity.
Dr. Tom Pisz and Jessie Olsen from Great Slave Animal
Hospital in Lutsel’k e operating on a community dog.
Community Vaccination Clinic
On November 8, 2014 our volunteer team went to Dettah for the first vaccine clinic
which was held at the Fire Hall. Dr. Michelle Tuma, Dana Martin, Krista Harbin and
Derrick Sangris, our community contact, spent an afternoon in Dettah and saw 16
animals. The fee was $25 dollars for vaccinations and deworming.
On March 8th, 2015 our team of volunteers went to Behchoko for the day to do a
vaccination clinic for that community. For $25 we vaccinated and dewormed any
dog or cat that was brought in. The Clinic was set up in the local Elizabeth
Mackenzie School Gym. It was such a great
success. Dr. Michelle Tuma was the
volunteer vet of the team that helped 51
animals. Also on the team was Dana Martin,
Alex and Sue Matthews, Patty Hogg, Kim
LaSalle, Sandra White and Stephanie Staller.
It was a very informative and educational
afternoon for the children who brought in
their pets for vaccinations and deworming.
The young pet owners like Julian Lafferty
asked a lot of questions and were genuinely
interested in what we were doing and how
to care for their much loved animals.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
The Volunteer Behchoko Vet Team!
Dr. Tuma talking to her young clients!
Other Initiatives
Other ways we raise money for our organization is
registering with groups like Bark Box and Project Blue
Collar. Both of these organizations raise money for the
benefit of animal rescue all over North America. When
our supporters sign on to get their great merchandise
and pick the NWT SPCA as their rescue of choice, a
percentage come to our organization. So everyone
wins.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
2014 Christmas Card Pet Photoshoot
Our Christmas card photoshoot was a hoot. Thanks to
James McKenzie Photography and our wonderful
volunteers for making this happen. We got some pretty
awesome shots of our furry family members and shelter
dogs in their Christmas attire. We produced Christmas
cards with the pictures taken and sold them in
packages at Sutherland’s Drugstore and at other
venues when possible. It was another wonderful
success.
Blue the Flying Reindeer Dog.
2014 Easter Pet Photoshoot
In April 2014 we invited everyone to come in with their pets
for an Easter Photoshoot. It was so great seeing many of
our adoptive pets and their families. We also
photographed some of the shelter animals. James
McKenzie Photography did a fabulous job taking amazing
pictures of the animals and even some family portraits with
their humans. We charged $20 per family and ended up
seeing 23. Some families had two or three pets. It was a lot
of fun and a great event.
Jimmy, a senior dog originally from Lutsel k’e,
found his forever home here in Yellowknife.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
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Our Volunteers
This organization
would be nothing
without our
volunteers. This
includes our
volunteer Board
of Directors. Our
goal is to grow
our membership
and increase the
number of volunteers for our shelter, events and other fund
raising and educational initiatives. To be a positive energy
in our community and Territory is our objective.
Stephanie Vandeputte and Kim Poitras (Board Members)
at the Community Showcase.
VOLUNTEERS-OUR
ANGELS
We have many
wonderful volunteers.
At the shelter we and
the resident animals
love our dog walkers. It
makes all the
difference in the world
to the animals and their
health when they get
out for walks and play
time. It is equally
important for the cats
in our Cat Room to
have interaction with
people. We have
learned that our
animals thrive when our
volunteer’s share their
time.
We have a number of
volunteers that make
our events possible as
well. Without the
support and time given
by these big-hearted
people we could not
exist. Thank you to all
who help in their own
way!
April 2015
NWT SPCA Report
Young supporters with shelter pups and a cheque
for the NWT SPCA from Aubreys Birthday Money.
Kittens sent from Alberta
Sue Wyman (Foster- with Tippy at the
Long John Jamboree (March 2014)
Rocky (Rockstar) and his foster brothers
Randy Hilworth (Board member)
consoling a new shelter dog
Princess with her new owner in Alberta
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
Education
This year we created an informative spay and neuter
brochure to distribute in the communities. It educates
the members on the benefits to the family, dog and
the community.
Every summer we promote various animal care
education via social media. These messages include
the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car, bringing
your pet inside during cold weather and generally
promote anti-animal abuse posters when possible. We
also promote picking up after your dog in public
areas. Our goal in the next two years is to produce a
small but informative booklet on proper animal care for communities of the NWT.
April 2015
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NWT SPCA Report
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Financial
Revenues
Revenues
Adoptions/Surrend
ers
Donations
Memeberships
Recycling
Adoptions and Surrenders
Donations
Memberships
Recycling
Merchandise
Special Events
Special grants
Miscellaneous
Total
$78,139
$227,440
$4,485
$10864
$10,962
$127,477
$12,500
$2,996
$474,865
Merchandise
Events
Expenses
Animals Care-Vet
and Food
Animal Transfers
Employee wages
Special events &
Scholarships
Utilities &
Maintenance
Advertising
Expenditures
Animals Care (Vet and Food)
Animal Transfers & Freight
Employee wages
Special events & Scholarships
Utilities/ Maintenance/vehicle
Advertising
Banking/Insurance/Admin
Merchandise Purchases
Miscellaneous
Total
Net Income (loss)
$144,602
Insurance/
Banking /Admin
Merchandise
April 2015
$82,688
$35,929
$92,421
$62,039
$21,018
$3,167
$27,879
$4914
$200
$330,262
NWT SPCA Report
Special Thank You
First Air- Corporate Sponsor
Great Slave Animal Hospital
Sutherland’s Drugs
Hills Shelter Food Program
Air Tindi
West Jet
Buffalo Air
YK Food Rescue
Jay Boast- CJCD
Borealis Pet Services
All of our committed
Volunteers and Foster parents
Carolyn Maceijko – ARTS-AB
Inge Nielson – ARTS-AB
Amy Corp- Red Deer Regional SPCA
LoveaBull Animal Rescue-BC
Annie Pritie Bell- Victoria BC SPCA
Rachel Blythe -Vancouver Canine
Services-BC
April Oakes- Infinite Woofs Animal
Rescue- AB
Volunteer Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors at the Great Gatspy
Affair Gala (February 2015)
Randy Hilworth- Treasurer
Kim Poitras-Director
Karen Kuronen- Secretary
Stephanie Vandeputte -Director
Sarah Johnson-Director
Dana Martin-Vice-President
Nicole Spencer- President
April 2015
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