NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH HUMANE SOCIETY
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The Guelph Humane Society is honoured to receive a $100,000 gift from Charlie and Diann Millage, which has been given directly toward the new facility at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd.
“We are so grateful to Charlie and Diann,” says Jennifer Fraser, Donor Relations Manager at GHS. “The second dog adoption room at our new building will be named after them, which is a wonderful way to honour Charlie’s legacy of kindness to animals and his impact on the community.”
Charlie and Diann committed to their gift to GHS just days before Charlie died, at the age of 95.
"We are thankful that Charlie and I could contribute to this project,” says Diann, who recently toured the new GHS community animal centre. “It’s an up-to-date facility that will provide care to animals who so desperately need the assistance.”
The Millages sold farm property years ago, and they have consciously set out a purpose for that money: to better their community. Diann says that the rationale is to "fund projects that would enable support, extend kindness, and create a happy environment for folks in our community.” Diann and Charlie had been following along with the plans and construction updates on the new GHS building for years, and early in 2021 they both agreed that contributing to the facility would be a good fit for their goals.
Charlie Millage was born in 1925, on a farm in Emily Township – near what is now known as Kawartha Lakes. Animals were a part of his life from the beginning, from working with horses on the farm, to spending weeks caring for an injured lamb, to his very own cow/calf operation. Diann says the pastured cattle, barn cats and dog were always happy to see Charlie, as they knew he would usually bring treats with him.
“Kindness was a thread woven in Charlie's personality,” says Diann. “We felt that by supporting the campaign for the new location of the Humane Society in Guelph, we would provide a continuation of the kindness that Charlie and I always tried to extend to the various animals that we had in our home."
The generous gift from the Millages has brought the GHS capital campaign for its new facility closer to the $9 million mark, with just $1 million left to go. To help GHS close the $1 million gap in funding for the new building, visit www.UnleashingHope.ca.
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