BC SPCA Employees Invest in Their Mission

We all go beyond our regular duties here at the BC SPCA. Whether volunteering, fostering animals with special needs or building awareness in our communities we know we are making the world a better place for animals and humans and our passion shines through.

Today we want to celebrate over 150 of our colleagues who have invested in our mission by becoming donors.

Here are a few of their stories:

Eileen Drever has been with the BC SPCA for 32 years and we all know how passionate she is about her work. Between her spokesperson duties in the media and her weekly appearance on Global Television she has become a household name to B.C.’s animal lovers. Eileen takes advantage of any opportunity to raise funds. In addition to her PAW Plan and extra donations throughout the year, Eileen jumped at the chance to participate in this year’s Kennel Lock-In to support Paws for a Cause. In fact she beat her original fundraising goal before Lock-In day and so doubled her goal and beat that by raising $4,120.01. “Most of them offered to donate to keep me in the kennel,” Eileen said laughing. Way to go Eileen!

Lauren Hannem joined the Donor Relations team this year and I soon learned about her love for animals. As a child she has loved animals and is passionate about their welfare. Hannem has always wanted to work for an animal welfare organization and the BC SPCA in her opinion is the best, which is why she volunteered and sat on her community council. Lauren was thrilled when she was hired; while filling in her employment paperwork there was an Authorization for Payroll Deductions and she filled it in immediately because it is automatic, easy to budget and she gets consolidated tax information on her T4 in February. She frequently talks to donors who apologize for “not doing more”, and she is happy to be able to tell them how even the smallest gift can make a big difference to a suffering animal. Nobody should let “wish they could do more prevent them from giving what they can, it all helps.”

Lorie Chortyk joined the BC SPCA 12 years ago and every day she is inspired by staff, volunteers and supporters who give so much of themselves to ensure that animals get the love and protection they deserve. “I feel very privileged to be a part of this organization,” Lorie says. “I’ve always loved animals, but it wasn’t until I joined the SPCA that I became aware of how desperately the animals need our help. When you are exposed every day, not only to the suffering that is inflicted on animals, but also to the incredible work that’s being done to create a more humane life for them, it’s hard not to be passionate about giving to this cause.”

Hearing Lorie’s stories her family and friends feel the same and also support our mission, in fact they fundraise for Paws for a Cause every year and Lorie donates to support each of them. “I think animals touch people’s hearts in such a special way that our natural response is to want to protect them from harm.”