Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need

HSHPE Launches The Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need on the occasion of her retirement.

On World Animal and Pet Day 2024, the Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) celebrated the retirement of its Executive Director Marilyn Lawrie with a fundraising luncheon to launch ‘The Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need’. Lawrie, who declared that since she, as a young girl back in Burlington, has had a total of 18 cats so far, mostly from animal shelters or strays who showed up at her door. Although there was a beloved dog in her life, her affection is certainly directed toward felines.

“Marilyn has done wonders for this organization, including shepherding it through the construction of a new shelter and a re-branding to reflect the mission and aspirations of HSHPE” commented Greg Sudds, Chair, HSHPE Board of Directors. “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! Greg Sudds, Chair, HSHPE Board of Directors.”

To date, over $5,000 has been raised and is growing since ‘The Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need’ was launched and 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 Marilyn Lawrie, retired HSHPE Executive Director. “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 HSHPE 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.”

Mayor Ellis, who served on the Board of Directors of the Quinte Ballet School where Lawrie was the Executive Director, joined the celebration by presenting Marilyn a certificate with retirement best wishes and acknowledgement of her years of service to the Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward.

The luncheon, prepared by chef Sam McGowan of Amore Fine Foods and Catering and held at the Belleville Club, was hosted by the Board of Directors with the support of Sandbanks Winery and McDowell’s Independent Grocer was attended by many patrons, several staff members including incoming Executive Director, Kareen McKinnon, friends, and former Quinte Ballet School colleagues.

All monies raised by the Marilyn Lawrie Fund for Cats in Need are used to assist cats in need at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward.

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