GUELPH, ON (August 10, 2021) – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is pleased to announce Meaghan Middleton as the new Chair of the GHS Board of Directors. Middleton, who joined the Board earlier this year, is moving into the role previously held by Dr. Shane Bateman.

“The future is bright for the GHS,” says Bateman, who is stepping away from his role on the board after ten years of service. “There are strong foundations for continued growth and support of our community and those animals and people that need support.  The organization is in incredibly capable hands, and I am so excited for the future of the organization.”

On the GHS board for the last decade, and spending more than half that time as Chair, Dr. Bateman notes that he is most proud of the growth and development of the GHS staff team.

Meaghan Middleton is the new Chair of the GHS Board of Directors.

“Without them and their commitment to growing and improving our relationship with the community, we could have never accomplished building a $10 million new shelter,” says Bateman. “They are unsung heroes in our community and we collectively owe them a great debt for all they have given and continue to give to animals in our community, and the people who love and care for them.”

Middleton first joined the GHS Board of Directors after adopting a black kitten, Evinrude (formerly Cashew), from the shelter last December. Passionate about community engagement and animal welfare, she has served on several boards through her career, including the Canadian Dachshund Rescue.

“When I adopted Evinrude from GHS, I had such a wonderful experience that I wanted to give back,” says Middleton. “I love that GHS has space for farm animals, works closely with wildlife rehabilitators to support wildlife care, and is committed to supporting the community. I’m happy to work with and support an organization that is committed to improving animal welfare in a holistic and innovative way.”

Middleton has worked in the not-for-profit, academic and tech sectors, and is currently the Associate Director, Development, in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo.

“GHS has achieved some amazing milestones, not the least of which is the new facility,” adds Middleton. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure that we continue to improve and innovate to support the community. Time will tell what that looks like!”

Joining Middleton on the GHS Board of Directors are:

The Directors are currently taking part in a brand-new fundraising event until August 27th called (Bad) Pet Portraits, in which people purchase hand-drawn portraits of their pets – with 100% of the proceeds helping vulnerable animals in Guelph and Wellington County.

 

-30-

 

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

Natalie Thomas

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Guelph Humane Society

519-824-3091

nthomas@guelphhumane.ca

 

All News Stories