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| From the left, Past President Chris Rogers, Guest Speaker Kathy McAlpine Terpstra, Dr. Andy Janikowski. |
Kathy McAlpine Terpstra was the guest speaker at Rotary
this week. She
Was introduced by Dr. Andy Janikowski.
Kathy grew up and attended school in Prince Edward
County, then attended
The University of Western Ontario in London. Kathy is well known locally for her work in physical fitness and healthy life style. She
owns and operates her own business in the county.
As part of her own personal growth path, two years ago
Kathy attended a
Samurai Camp at which she was expected to set both a
personal and a professional goal which were outside her comfort zone and then
integrate those goals into her personal life.
She decided that she would personally spearhead the raising of $30,000 dollars for the Loyalist Humane Society!
Kathy provided an interesting and informative talk about
the work with the Loyalist Humane Society (LHS) which is located on the west
side of Picton, in Prince Edward County. The LHS is a non-profit charity
organization.
Facts about the Humane Society:
-- 200 cats are in
care in the existing buildings, and currently only
Cats are housed there. The ultimate goal of LHS is to
find a new and loving forever home for each animal.
-- approx 20 dogs are in foster care, and for further
information re this
"foster" program Kathy recommended contacting
Gail or Ann at the shelter
-- operated completely by volunteers
-- applications are welcomed from students who wish to
add to their
volunteer hours
-- the society has a "no kill" policy except
for humane reasons. This
policy results in substantial costs, as cats can live
very long lives
-- "seniors
for seniors" is a wonderful program which matches older cats
with seniors who desire a pet. A quiet, sedate cat which sits on a window sill
or on a lap is much safer for a senior than is a kitten that loves to run and
play, but would present a trip risk. For
seniors there are so many health benefits derived from the unconditional love
and second heartbeat that a pet can provide in their home.
Costs are high for the Humane Society and include:
-- $2,400-$2,600 per month for food
-- $1,200 per month for liter
-- spay and neuter
costs
-- medical bills upkeep and shelter costs
The LHS currently has a specific need for assistance with
the cost of food over the winter months.
Your support would be greatly appreciated. The Society is planning
renovations to their buildings in the spring of 2012, and will be looking for
volunteers with the skills to assist with the renovations.
Kathy was thanked by Past President Chris Rogers who
commended her for
her tireless work and amazing success in her fund raising
efforts on behalf of "those who cannot speak for themselves".
Chris presented Kathy with a Cheque for $400.00 for the Humane Society.
