Making a “paw-sitive” impact: Loyalist College donates student-made benches and doghouse to Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward

Belleville, ON, May 19, 2023 – This week, Loyalist College students, faculty and staff gathered at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward to present the community organization with a donation of student-made furnishings. Five benches, finished in the shape of dog bones, and a doghouse constructed by students in Loyalist’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician and Community Integration Through Cooperative Education programs were delivered to the newly renovated Humane Society facility on May 16.

“As Loyalist works closely with our local organizations and service providers, our students and staff are always there to respond to the needs of our community,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “My heartfelt thanks to our students for creating these wonderful pieces and the faculty who helped bring these projects to life. We are proud to provide the volunteers and community members at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward with quality furnishings to use as they interact with animals in need.”

Humane Society HPE Board Chair Donna Endicott, Capital Campaign Committee Chair Greg Sudds, Executive Director Marilyn Lawrie, and Animal Care Attendant Melissa Pitt joined Loyalist College students and staff. The group toured the recently completed Humane Society building to see first-hand how the community-based shelter supports animal health and well-being, improves living conditions for stray, lost and surrendered animals, and helps animals find loving homes in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. Loyalist students and staff got to see the donated benches at the Humane Society entrance and view the outdoor exercise area where shelter animals awaiting adoption will enjoy the doghouse.

“What a tremendous ‘housewarming’ gift from our new neighbours,” said Marilyn Lawrie, Executive Director of Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward. “We are so thrilled to have these benches and doghouse help complete our new Animal Care and Community Education Centre, and we extend our deepest thanks to Loyalist College students, staff and President Kirkpatrick.”

“As Loyalist’s close neighbour and an outstanding community service, we look forward to expanding our relationship with Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward in the future,” said President Kirkpatrick.

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com