GUELPH, ON (August 17, 2020) – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) has made the difficult decision to postpone their 2020 annual gala, due to the unpredictability of COVID-19. Last year’s gala raised a record $265,000 and GHS looks forward to bringing back the highly successful event again next year on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
The 2020 gala was planned to be hosted at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Guelph Conference Centre on Saturday, November 9th, 2020. The theme of the gala was “There’s no place like home”, based on the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz”. The theme will now be used for next year’s gala, which will showcase past GHS adoptees and their #HappyTails.
Attendees at next year’s gala can continue to expect to meet furry friends on the red carpet and hear adoption stories told by GHS staff, volunteers, and adopters, all while raising funds to support vulnerable animals within the community.
“Our gala is a highlight every year for us,” says Adrienne McBride, Executive Director. “We are sad we are unable to celebrate with our community this November. Our hope is to return with an even bigger celebration next year and to celebrate coming through this pandemic together.”
During COVID-19, GHS has continued their important work, despite the challenges that the pandemic created for the organization, such as the cancellation of the volunteer program, summer camps, and events like the annual gala. The organization has adapted quickly with contactless/virtual adoptions, physical distancing measures, and other necessary program changes to ensure it can continue to fulfil its mission of protecting and caring for the vulnerable animals in our community.
“The Guelph Humane Society relies on donations from the public to help animals in Guelph and Wellington County. Cancelling large events, such as the annual gala, will have an impact on our revenue,” says McBride. “We hope the community will consider other ways to support the humane society this year to ensure our work continues and we have much to celebrate at the 2021 gala.”
To learn more about the Guelph Humane Society fundraising events, visit: https://guelphhumane.ca/get-involved/host-a-fundraiser/
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About the Guelph Humane Society
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
Follow GHS:
Facebook: @guelphhumanesociety
Twitter: @guelphhumane
Instagram: @the_ghs
Media Contact
Louise Frost
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091