The Oakville & Milton Humane Society is thrilled to recognize the work of our amazing volunteers through our Volunteer and Community Awards Program. Whether doing administrative tasks, working with the animals, or out engaging the community, we would not be able to provide the same quality of care for the animals, or our community, without our animal heroes!
Kudos to our Community Engagement Committee, who had the difficult job of selecting this year’s OMHS award recipients in the following six categories:
- Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
- Foster Family of the Year Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Outstanding Youth Volunteer Service Award
- Youth Crusader Award
- Outstanding Corporation Award
- Outstanding Veterinary Partner Award
The 2023 volunteer awards were presented in-person during our recent Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 26. Congratulations to the award recipients—the shelter would not be what it is today without your ongoing support and commitment!
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
The Outstanding Volunteer Service Award is presented to a volunteer who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for animals.
Congratulations to Ross Lomon, who was selected as this year's recipient for his incredible dedication and exceptional work since joining OMHS in September 2016. Ross has made substantial improvements inside and outside the shelter, providing much-needed enrichment and care to the dogs at OMHS. He has also participated in numerous fundraising events and programs, going above and beyond to raise awareness and support for our cause, even being locked in a kennel to raise $30,000 for OMHS. Ross's commitment, compassion, and inclusivity have made him an exemplary volunteer and an “animal hero” in our community.
Foster Family of the Year Award
The Foster Family of the Year Award is presented to an individual or family that has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in fostering animals.
We are thrilled to announce Kristen Bridges as this year's recipient. Kristen fostered an incredible 28 cats and kittens in 2022, providing them with vital care, socialization, and a loving home environment. Her tireless work has helped countless animals recover, thrive, and find their forever homes. Kristen's dedication and compassion are truly inspiring, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions to OMHS and the animals we serve.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in demonstrating compassion for animals and has also demonstrated exceptional service and leadership qualities over at least 15 years of consistent and active participation with OMHS.
Linda Baril has been a champion for animals since she began volunteering with OMHS in July 1997. Her ever-changing roles throughout OMHS and unwavering commitment have made her an invaluable asset to our organization. Linda's attention to detail, compassion, and dedication to animal welfare truly exemplify the values of OMHS.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer Achievement Award
The Outstanding Youth Volunteer Achievement Award is presented to a youth volunteer who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for animals.
Sydney Delis is this year's Outstanding Youth Volunteer recipient for her exceptional dedication and compassion. Sydney has been making a positive impact since she started volunteering in 2015 through our Youth Apprenticeship Program. Her genuine care and commitment to the animals shine through as she provides enrichment and affectionate care to our shelter cats. Sydney's efforts go beyond the shelter as she arranges educational visits and fundraisers to promote animal welfare.
Youth Crusader Award
The Youth Animal Crusader Award is presented to a youth fundraiser who has made a significant contribution to improve the quality of life for animals, by demonstrating kindness towards animals, is a role model who inspires others, helps raise awareness about the OMHS and enables the shelter to further our mission by raising funds.
Through Alara Ataman’s creative fundraising activities and awareness campaigns, Alara has made a significant difference in the lives of animals at OMHS. Her passion, commitment, and engagement with the community have truly made her a heroic Youth Crusader.
Outstanding Corporation Award
The Outstanding Corporation Award is presented to a corporation or small business who consistently demonstrates dedication to animal welfare through equitable partnership, financial support and raising awareness for the OMHS.
This year's recipient is Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle has been a loyal and trusted partner, providing a humane approach to wildlife control and public education. Their continuous support, sponsorship, and involvement with OMHS and the community are truly commendable.
Outstanding Veterinary Partner Award
The Outstanding Veterinary Partner Award is presented to a veterinary partner who has made a significant contribution to improve the quality of life for animals. This year’s recipient is Oakpark Pet Hospital which has consistently demonstrated commitment to animal welfare and shows an unlimited amount of kindness to animals and people.
For more than 15 years, Oakpark Pet Hospital has been a supporter and partner of OMHS, providing crucial diagnostics and medical services, emergency care, and spay/neuter services for our animals. The doctors and staff at Oakpark consistently demonstrate compassion, professionalism, and a true understanding of the needs of each animal.
