Community Foundation Grant Supports Animal Health, Training, and Youth Engagement
In the summer of 2025, a dedicated animal welfare initiative—supported by the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation—brought vital veterinary care and hands-on learning opportunities to the community of Wabseemong.
Through this grant, the Grey Bruce Aboriginal Qimmiq Team (GBAQT) traveled from Southern Ontario to deliver complimentary canine veterinary services, helping to ensure the health and safety of local dogs. For more than thirteen years, GBAQT has worked in partnership with Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario, providing culturally respectful and compassionate care to canine populations.
During the Wabseemong clinic, the impact was both immediate and far-reaching. Over fifty dogs were spayed or neutered, helping to support long-term population health. More than one hundred dogs were tested for heartworm, with only three positive cases identified—all of which received appropriate treatment and preventative care. In addition, 49 dogs received comprehensive wellness checks, including vaccinations and parasite control, ensuring they left the clinic healthier and better protected.
Beyond the clinical care, the grant also created meaningful opportunities for community learning and engagement. A key objective was to build local capacity by involving volunteers and youth in the process. In advance of the clinic, high school students participated in an educational session covering grooming, careers in animal care, and post-surgical support for dogs. During the clinic itself, eight community members were present each day, actively assisting and gaining valuable, hands-on experience in canine care and recovery.
This initiative highlights the powerful ripple effect of community-based philanthropy. Not only were dozens of animals cared for, but local knowledge was strengthened, youth were inspired, and new connections to potential career pathways were formed.
Through grants like this, the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Community Foundation continues to invest in the health and well-being of communities—supporting initiatives that bring people together, build skills, and create lasting impact for both residents and their four-legged companions.