Award Introduction
Many of us in the not-for-profit world do work to aid individuals and communities who have no voice. We work for children who need a voice, disaster victims, the sick, the homeless and the lonely.
This morning, I am honored to be presenting our Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award to a woman who has truly been a voice for a group that has none. In 1990, under the leadership of Dorit Girash, a group of concerned citizens began meeting in each other’s homes to discuss how they could help the many stray and abandoned cats and kittens in the city of Windsor.Now, over 14 years later, the Jazzpurr Society for Animal Protection is not only a well-known non-profit entity, it is also a respected resource for the Windsor-Essex County community with regards to the ethical treatment of animals and animal protection.
Dorit is the driving force behind the Jazzpurr movement. She is the founding president of the charity, which incorporated in 1992. Its first annual operating budget was $24,000 that included the operating of foster homes for animals. Today, their annual budget is over $80,000 and is entirely derived through fundraising initiatives such as individual donations and special events. Since the beginning, the group has helped thousands of animals through their foster homes, no-kill shelter, free spay/neuter clinic and educational programmes - including free literature, extensive counselling services, and senior support.
It is through the leadership, dedication and perseverance of Dorit that this group has been a success. As a former administrator and researcher at four post-secondary education institutions, Dorit gained the background and foundation for her amazing leadership skills. She has both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in biological sciences with extensive post grad work in organizational administration.
This theory has helped Dorit found, organize and lead the Jazzpurr group but it has been her true passion and commitment to animal rights that has been the driving force behind the group’s rise in popularity and respect within the community.
Dorit is a familiar face at municipal council meetings whenever an issue of animal protection comes up. She has become one of the leaders in the animal protection movement. A couple of examples include her work in the unanimous approval by city council for a registered foster-care program, the first no-kill shelter and the first TNR program. She has also advocated for a variety of no-kill solutions that have been brought before Windsor City Council.
Just meeting Dorit and talking to her for a short term, one can truly see her passion and commitment to helping these animals that, often, cannot help themselves. And it is not only our local AFP chapter who thinks Dorit’s work is pretty amazing.
Most recently, Dorit was honored in California as the first Canadian Honoree for “The Guardian Campaign” – part of the “In Defense of Animals” international organization. The award recognizes those who have spoken out with the voice of compassion on behalf of animals. From their web site, the group states “In a world filled with apathy and indifference, they are to be commended for their stance as true guardians of our animal friends.” With this award, Dorit joined many others who have been honored for their work including Pearce Brosnan, Mary Tyler More and many other celebrities.
In addition to being the president of Jazzpurr, Dorit is also a member of AFP, the Human-Animal Bond Association of Canada, the Curriculum Committee of Leadership Windsor/Essex, Animal Discovery, the International Society of Anthrozoology, Delta Society, Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States.
Did I mention through all of her hard work, time and diligence, Dorit has never accepted a salary from Jazzpurr?
Just another reason we are honored today to recognize her as our Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer. Please help me in welcoming Dorit with this honor…