40 years of working for the animals
Forty years after walking through the doors of the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre, Manager Carol Beard is moving to Nova Scotia to take care of her family.
Carol joined the organization in 1984 as a student. Loving the work and knowing it was her passion, Carol stayed with the organization, growing into her position of Centre Manager. Over her years with the Ontario SPCA, Carol has built a solid and resilient team that works tirelessly for animals in need while simultaneously taking time for each other, creating close bonds and friendships, and making strong connections in her community.
“My decision to leave has been quite difficult, and honestly, it was not something I ever felt I would do until retirement! My time with the Ontario SPCA has provided me not only professional growth, but also personal growth, as I have literally grown up while working here,” Carol reflects. “I have the fondest memories during my tenure with the Ontario SPCA and will cherish the many great colleagues and friends I have made, the most wonderful moments of my life, and the many, many heartwarming stories we have been a part of with animals who defied the odds and found loving and forever homes.”
Deeply passionate about the animals in her care, Carol took the financial stability of her animal centre very seriously and put her heart and soul into hosting an annual gala fundraiser. Starting back in 2003, Carol recruited volunteers, found a food vendor, secured a location, and worked around the clock to pull off an event that netted $10,000 in its first year. Never looking back, our annual gala fundraiser continues to raise much-needed funds for animals in need while also raising awareness in the community about our cause.
“I am very proud of the successful fundraising events that I have created, and I am certain they will continue to thrive,” Carol says. “I will support them as much as I can! I am just a phone call or email away and will be visiting the area frequently. To say I am proud of my centre and volunteer committee teams doesn’t seem to be a strong enough statement, as we have worked together to raise our yearly deficit into a positive surplus and have continued this year over year; this is one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Carol will always be part of our family here at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, and words cannot express how sad we are to see her leaving, and how grateful we are to have had her with us. We will miss her.
“Carol’s leadership extended beyond the walls of the Orillia Animal Centre, often impacting our teams across the province,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Over the years, Carol has patiently and compassionately supported new centre managers, going above and beyond to offer support, drive to centres and pitch in. She was always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.”
Carol will continue to support her team for a few more weeks; we sincerely wish her the very best in the next chapter of her journey!