The Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) celebrated the retirement of its Executive Director Marilyn Lawrie on World Animal and Pet Day and established a fund in her name.
Friday’s fundraising luncheon launched The Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need.
Lawrie says since she was a young girl in Burlington, she has had a total of 18 cats so far, mostly from animal shelters or strays who showed up at her door.
“Marilyn has done wonders for this organization, including shepherding it through the construction of a new shelter and a rebranding to reflect the mission and aspirations of HSHPE,” commented Greg Sudds, Chair, HSHPE Board of Directors.
At her retirement celebration, Lawrie was also given an original painting.
Presenting her with the painting Sudds commented, “It is only fitting that we present Marilyn with an original painting by our resident cat artists.”
The inscription reads: Presented to Marilyn Lawrie on the occasion of her retirement from HSHPE. Created with love by Remie, Quail, Foxy and Millipede, this masterpiece is a symbol of our recognition for your outstanding devotion for animals in need and the wellbeing of the community. Your many accomplishments are legendary and have forever changed the social and
cultural fabric of Hastings and Prince Edward. With our sincere appreciation and best wishes on your newest adventure!
So far, more than $5,000 has been raised for The Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need.
It will remain a staple of the Humane Society’s fundraising efforts.
“I am overwhelmed by the attention and delighted that my retirement will raise much-needed support to care for our many cats and kittens arriving daily,” added Lawrie. “It has been a privilege to serve our Humane Society and I certainly would not have accomplished what was achieved in the past four years without the unwavering support of the board of directors, my colleagues, our generous donors and our community volunteers. We, in Hastings and Prince Edward, are very fortunate to finally have an appropriate shelter for the region’s animals in need.”
