Who Received this Year’s Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Grants?

Mary cared deeply about animals. So much so that in her will, she left a legacy gift that made it possible for a forever grant program to support animal care in our community. Named after her, the Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Grants are given out each year in consultation with her family. Organizations based in the Fraser Valley that work directly with animals, are welcome to apply for these microgrants.

This year, we’re pleased to announce we’ve awarded $6,000 to the following organizations thanks to Mary’s legacy and love for animals:

1. Abbotsford Police Foundation – Financial Care Package for Retired Police Service Dogs

Once a dog has been retired from the Abbotsford Police Department, they are often adopted out. But given the physically demanding nature of their work and that they are moving into ‘senior’ dog territory, they may often need care and special diets that may be out of reach for homes that can take them in. This grant will help cover the fees associated to both food and annual vet bills for retired police dogs that have served and retired from the Abbotsford Police Department.

2. Circle F Horse Rescue Society – For the Herd

Circle F Horse Rescue Society focused on the care of horses that are surrendered to them. Sometimes, owners can no longer care for their horses. Sometimes, the care for a horse overwhelms their owners. There are many reasons that horses end up at Circle F and they work hard to rehabilitate and provide new homes for horses that come to them. Their ‘For the Herd’ project is their most significant cost; it includes the feed, farrier and veterinary care to do this work so their horses may be adopted in the Valley and throughout BC.

3. Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center Society – Safety Issue on Outdoor Stairs

Elizabeth’s Wildlife Centre is located on acreage that is hilly and therefore stairs are required to access the pens for recovering birds and small animal. These stairs are used by staff and volunteers multiple times a day, to feed and care for the animals. With our wet climate, the wooden stairs have rotted and require significant repair. This grant will help address a critical safety issue and ensure that staff and volunteers have safe access to the animals they care for.

4. Fraser Valley Humane Society – Cat Health Program

The Fraser Valley Humane Society accepts many surrendered cats and kittens each year. As a result, their vet bills are significant as they spay and neuter, vaccinate, and treat for fleas and worms. This type of care is required for the health of all the cats in the shelter, as things like fleas and upper respiratory infections can spread quickly. This care also prepares cats for adoption.

5. Paws for Hope Animal Foundation – Better Together Abbotsford

Better Together will support 8 Abbotsford families with 12 pets to access ongoing preventative and urgent vet care at South Fraser Animal Hospital. They are also linked to services like pet friendly housing, end of life support, & licensing to help pet families stay together.

6. Senior Animals In Need Today Society – Provide Ongoing specialized vet care

This project will ensure senior and special needs animals receive ongoing veterinary care, including treatments, diagnostics, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Many require chronic condition management, pain relief, and specialized care to enhance their well-being and quality of life.

To learn more about the Mary Victoria Wakefield Animal Welfare Memorial Fund, click here.