Karen is one of our most cherished long-term volunteers. Her passion for SafePet, knowledge of family violence and human trafficking in Ontario, and dedication to the work mean she is an incredible asset to our small administrative team. Learn a bit more about Karen's experience with SPO below! What is your professional background and how did you become interested in "the link"? I am a retired OPP officer with 30+ years of policing experience, and in retirement I have been very active with Victim Services London-Middlesex as a current member of their Board of Directors. This volunteer work caused me concern regarding our continually high Intimate Partner Violence statistics and rising Human Trafficking statistics. So I looked for other solutions to assist in reducing these two areas of victimization. That is when I found out about SafePet Ontario, in 2019. I read a research paper written by Dr. Amy Fitzgerald from the University of Windsor and immediately volunteered for SPO. I assisted in organizing "link" trainings for law enforcement officers, expanding the awareness of SafePet, putting together a London-based task force of referral agencies and stakeholders, and reached out to the local communities for foster families. Three years later I am still committed to this amazing program as a Volunteer Foster Family Screener. Do you have any pets? Yes I have 2 cats, a brother and sister Persian-Himalayan mix named Jack and Jill. We lost our Basset Hound "Olive" a few years ago and I really miss the dog / cat dynamic - it was so much fun to be around. What do you find rewarding about the volunteer work you do with SPO? Removing barriers for human and animal victims who are fleeing Intimate Partner Violence says it all. Period. SafePet Ontario can stop the cycle of violence in its tracks and this will have a positive outcome for survivors, the community, referral agencies, and first responders. What should readers do if they are interested in volunteering with SafePet Ontario? You can reduce the violence epidemic by volunteering to be a SafePet Foster Family (using the button below). Walk with our survivors to ensure their future without violence. Volunteer for SafePet Ontario!
You are a vital part of our team, Karen. We couldn't do what we do without you. Thank you!