Peterborough, ON (November 14, 2019) – Our Pet Project, the Peterborough Humane Society’s campaign to build its first-of-its-kind Animal Care Centre is well underway, with yet another donor pledging $25,000 towards the new Centre. LLF Lawyers is known for generously supporting our community and has been a long-time supporter of the Peterborough Humane Society. The Peterborough law firm has pledged a $25,000 contribution towards Our Pet Project.

LLF was founded in 1993 as a full-service law firm, with offices in both Peterborough and Bobcaygeon. The firm is founded on the principle of building lasting relationships with their clients as trusted advisors, which is underpinned by its many philanthropic and community initiatives.

“We are so excited to be a part of Our Pet Project to build the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre,” says Joe Grant, Associate at LLF. “We are all animal lovers and have been supporters of the Humane Society for many years. Anyone who has been to the current facility can attest to the great work being done as the largest animal shelter in Peterborough County and the only open admission facility. We realise the importance of having such a space available where lost, homeless and neglected animals can heal, recover and find their perfect forever home.”

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) was established in 1941, and the current shelter was built in 1956 and designed initially as a pound. While the current site has served the community well for the last 60+ years, PHS has outgrown the space and is caring for more animals than ever before. In the new, purpose-built facility animals will have more room and will experience less noise and stress, thereby reducing anxiety and setting them up for a greater opportunity to meet their perfect family.

“In addition to what this Centre will do for our four-legged friends, we’re looking forward to the impact it will have on our local and regional economy. By bringing 20 full-time equivalent positions, and impacting 50 jobs in the design and construction, this local project will create needed, meaningful employment and help attract and retain top veterinary talent to Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” says Bill Lockington, LLF Founding Partner.

Designed by Peterborough-based Lett Architects, the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre will sit on 20 acres of land on Technology Drive and will be home to the Humane Society’s new Adoption and Education Centre that will serve as a community hub, while allowing for expansion of the Humane Society’s outreach, education and advocacy programs. The new Centre will also be home to Canada’s first Provincial Dog Rehab Centre (in partnership with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society) as well as the region’s only accessible Spay/Neuter Clinic.

“We are very excited that LLF has made Our Pet Project their pet project too. Like us, they are invested in this community and our continued partnership in building our new Animal Care Centre will have a tremendous impact on the pets and people of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director at the Peterborough Humane Society. “Our vision is to lead the way in animal welfare in Canada, and this donation takes us another step closer to achieving this goal.”

The LLF sponsorship includes naming rights of either Cat Suites or Dog Kennels, and with the team being such avid animal lovers, the firm has launched a contest to name this special space. “We are excited to see what our team comes up with – the name will tie in with the LLF brand, as well as our love for animals and our community. The contest closes on November 15^th and we are excited to share the name with our clients and community,” says Lockington.

Fundraising for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre is now well over the halfway mark, with several families and businesses pledging their contributions in the last couple of months. There has also been a significant investment of $1.68 million from the City of Peterborough, $2 million from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, and $50,000 from Community Futures Peterborough, to name but a few.