Canada – West Region, Alberta

Aspen’s Mandela Day activities aren’t always driven by large groups of volunteers as Justin Fry and Lauren Schotts from Aspen Canada’s West Region demonstrated. They collaborated with Fostering Hope Animal Rescue Foundation, a Red Deer-based non-profit organisation for the first time this year.

Fostering Hope rescues and re-homes dogs and cats across Alberta and operates through a network rather than a central shelter, typically caring for 60 to 100 animals of all ages. Their services include medical care, behavioral support, adoption, and enrichment programmes like “Doggy Day Out.” This is a simple but powerful programme that helps rescue dogs and build their confidence to make them more adoptable. It was a great opportunity to give back and support a local organisation doing meaningful work in the community.

Justin and Lauren participated in the Doggy Day Out programme which pairs volunteers with foster dogs for a day of enrichment, socialisation, and exercise. They spent time with Olie, a sweet foster dog waiting to be adopted by his furrever family. The goal was to give him a positive experience outside his usual routine. In addition to providing Olie with all the attention he could lap up, they also handed over a small donation to help cover dog food costs.

“We want to thank Justin, Lauren, and Aspen for participating in our Doggy Day Out program! Without volunteers such as themselves we see many dogs get anxious or overexcited when meeting new people, which makes it harder for them to get adopted. By spending their time with Olie, they contributed to his good behavior, training, and adoptability. Thank you again!” –
Fostering Hope Team