Faces of CHANGE announces candidacy for Toronto Humane Society board

TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - A cohesive group of reform-minded candidates are offering their diverse expertise to rebuild the Toronto Humane Society (THS).

The "Faces of CHANGE" slate was elected at a public meeting of THS stakeholders, volunteers and supporters. It consists of business leaders, expert fundraisers, animal welfare specialists, THS volunteers and two veterinarians. Faces of CHANGE is willing to work with other reform-minded to bring about positive change at the THS.

The THS appears to be on the brink of ruin and the courts have ordered the current board to step aside. Members will vote for new leadership on May 30, 2010.

"We believe the Toronto Humane Society can be a leader in animal welfare," says Marcie Laking, spokesperson and candidate for the Faces of CHANGE slate. "But it needs a board that is professional; one with the utmost integrity and transparency. What happened at the THS under the current board of directors must never happen again."

The Faces of CHANGE are:

    
    -	Dr. Hanna Booth - Veterinarian
    -	Michael Downey - President & CEO, Tennis Canada
    -	Kim Cohen - CEO, Brown & Cohen Communications
    -	Jennifer Downe - Bank Manager & THS Volunteer
    -	Lisa Gibbens - Government Communications Professional
    -	Judi King - Senior Law Clerk & ART Co-founder
    -	Marcie Laking - Animal Welfare Advocate
    -	Linda MacKinnon - Paralegal & ART Co-founder
    -	Dr. Karen Nasir - Veterinarian
    -	Peter Newell - Senior Partner, Ogilvy Renault
    -	Garnet Pratt Siddall - Financial Professional
    -	Ferne Sinkins - President, Toronto Cat Rescue
    -	Tom Ungar - President & CEO, MTU Investments
    -	Ian Wintrip - Director, Wintrip Wolkoff Shin
    

"We stand behind a powerful platform that is rooted in what is best for the animals. The animals must always come first," says Laking. "Our platform focuses on their quality of life, opening a high volume spay/neuter clinic, and partnering with the community to make a difference in the life of Toronto's homeless animals." To view the platform and see the Faces of CHANGE comprehensive animal welfare plan, please visit www.reformths.com

In the summer of 2009 the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged the entire board of directors with animal cruelty - including acting president Bob Hambley. Those allegations are still before the courts. Yet Hambley is running for re-election. Faces of CHANGE encourages the THS membership to inform itself and to elect a brand new board to give the THS the best possible future.

The time for true CHANGE at the THS is here.

For further information: Marcie Laking, [phone], Or visit http://www.reformths.com