In the heart of the Okanagan, a quiet but powerful movement is underway鈥攐ne driven not by profit, but by compassion, community, and the steadfast dedication of volunteers. The Okanagan Humane Society (OHS), a local nonprofit animal rescue charity, stands as a shining example of what happens when everyday people band together to protect the most vulnerable among us鈥攐ur animals.
With more than 200 active volunteers and counting, OHS is entirely powered by the passion of individuals who give their time, energy, and hearts to saving lives. Nearly three-quarters of these volunteers are on the front lines鈥攔escuing, fostering, and coordinating adoptions for the hundreds of animals that come into their care each year. In 2024 alone, OHS assisted over 4,150 animals in distress, marking a record-breaking year for the organization.
鈥淲e have an incredible team doing the hard work every day鈥攆rom capturing feral cats and kittens, to rounding up loose dogs and abandoned litters. Last year, we even helped rescue two pigs that had gotten loose,鈥� shares Romany Runnalls, OHS Board President.
Runnalls is no stranger to the demanding, round-the-clock world of animal welfare. She has volunteered with OHS for more than a decade, beginning with the Okanagan Cat Coalition, eventually joining the Board of Directors and taking on the role of President in 2018. Today, her volunteer schedule alone easily surpasses 30 hours a week.
Despite having a full-time job and family of their own, OHS volunteers answers calls for help day and night. 鈥淭he need has only grown,鈥� mentions Runnalls. 鈥淚n 2022, we helped more than 1,500 animals. In 2023, that number jumped to 2,500. This past year? Over 4,000.鈥�
What keeps OHS going isn鈥檛 just determination鈥攊t鈥檚 collaboration. Working alongside over 40 veterinary partners throughout the Okanagan Valley, the organization brings together a network of rescue volunteers, foster families, and compassionate professionals, all united in one purpose: to save lives.
But the work is not without its toll.
鈥淚 want to personally thank every one of our volunteers,鈥� Runnalls says. 鈥淭his work is highly emotional. It鈥檚 urgent. It can be isolating, and yet incredibly communal. The people who stick with it give everything鈥攖ime, talents, even their own money鈥攖o ensure no animal is left behind.鈥�
While the organization always welcomes new volunteers, there鈥檚 an urgent call right now for foster families, particularly in the smaller communities of both the North and South Okanagan regions. The need is immediate鈥攁nd growing.
OHS is a safety net for animals in crisis, showing up 365 days a year. Whether it鈥檚 a litter of kittens under a porch, a stray dog dodging traffic, or a beloved pet in need of urgent care, the team at OHS answers the call.
If you鈥檝e ever wondered how, you can make a real difference鈥攈ow you can be part of something meaningful and lifesaving鈥攖his is your chance.
Visit www.okanaganhumanesociety.com to learn how you can get involved. Foster, volunteer, donate鈥攂ecause every paw saved starts with a helping ha
