As students return to school, the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre is looking for volunteers to join its AnimalSmart™ program, which offers humane education to Grades 1-8. The program aims to foster empathy, responsibility, and a connection with animals through free classroom presentations. This fall, a new theme, “Animals in the Community,” will be introduced.
AnimalSmart™ volunteer Cory Philip, who has reached over 325 students in 17 classes, describes the role as deeply rewarding. “It gives me hope when young children talk about being kind to animals as an extension of being kind to each other,” he says.
Volunteers are not required to have teaching experience; they will receive coaching and mentoring. Nina Alexander, Humane Education Manager, emphasizes the importance of teaching children about animal respect and kindness. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at animalsmart.ca.
(By: Tim Baltz)