Collaboration and Fundraising - critical elements of the companion animal industry

The companion animal industry is widely based on charity. The charity of those indirectly involved as well as the fundraising efforts of those directly involved in the sector. 

Fundraising events are critical to the success of the companion animal industry and would be difficult to orchestrate without the efforts of two or more willing parties. But with each successful event comes empowerment for industry leaders as well as engagement for pet families and the public, which creates a unique opportunity to generate awareness and bring attention to the world of pets.

Examples of these collaboration of efforts can be found across the world, throughout the year: 

• In August, Alberta Animal Services (AAS) officers took part in a Special Olympics fund raising event that amassed a total of $22,000.

Alberta Animal Services officers at a Special Olympics fundraiser in August.

• On 19 September 2012, AAS teamed up with Red Deer Petland to host a 100th Grey Cup fund raising barbeque. All cats were available for adoption for $100. The event was a smashing success, raising $1,425 to help fund surgery for Patience, a dog whose femur was broken when she was hit by a car. Petland was also grateful for an opportunity to highlight its relationship with Alberta Animal Services. 
• On the same day, PedigreeⓇ hosted its fifth annual adoption driver campaign in Toronto to raise awareness for shelter dogs and adoption. the Pedigree Adoption DriverⓇ has raised upwards of $1 million since its inception, enabling the 30 PedigreeⓇ partner shelters to use the donations for items they require including medical needs, food, blankets, toys and operating expenses. 

Many organizations recognize the need for these efforts and go the extra mile to ensure the industry's success.And each and every one works towards creating a healthier community for pets and people.

Introducing Kate MacDonald, CEO, Ontario SPCA

Kate MacDonald 

Chief Executive Officer   
Ontario SPCA

Kate MacDonald has 25 years experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in strategic planning, capital campaign management, financial analysis, non-profit administration and donor relations.

Currently, Kate serves as Chief Executive Officer for the Ontario SPCA, supporting over 50 active communities across Ontario. Kate’s main emphasis is on re-focusing the organization’s cultural vision to concentrate on collaborative service delivery, including establishing strategic alliances, strengthening brand recognition and developing province-wide fund development programs.  Since joining the Ontario SPCA in 2007, the organization has achieved the strongest financial position in recent history, has strengthened provincial legislation with the first substantive change in 90 years, and has introduced the first high-volume spay/neuter services in the province, along with the award winning public service campaign FixYourPet.ca.

Kate is proud of the contributions she has made to organizations including United Way, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Canadian Living Foundation, the Hospice Palliative Care Network and the Sunnybrook Foundation.

Kate is an active volunteer nationally and within her rural community, has taught fundraising at Mount Royal College and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.