Windsor-Essex County Humane Society celebrates century of service
- Ron Giofu
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
It’s a milestone year for the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society (WECHS).
The WECHS is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with dignitaries turning out Jan. 29 for a kickoff celebration for their special year.
Matt Carlini, board chair with the WECHS, stated it has been 100 years of service to the community. He posed the question of what an animal must be feeling when brought to the WECHS for the first time. Those feelings, he continued, often include fear and hunger.
When attending the WECHS, animals are met with food, shelter, companionship and compassion, Carlini added.
“The humane society represents that transition point,” said Carlini.
Carlini thanked the community for its support, all donors and everyone who has had a hand in assisting the WECHS.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens recalled touring the WECHS for the first time when he was a new Windsor city councillor. Several years later, after he had become mayor, his family adopted a dog from the WECHS.
Dilkens pointed out Frank Mitchell was a key figure in establishing the WECHS in 1926, with Mitchell being the mayor of Windsor at that time. The initial purpose was to aid horses and fowl at that time.
The current Windsor mayor also thanked WECHS executive director Lynnette Bain and her team for their ongoing efforts.
“We could not have an organization run without a dedicated group of volunteers and a dedicated group of board members,” said Dilkens.
Warden Hilda MacDonald brought congratulations from the County of Essex. She said that the WECHS has created a legacy over the past century, something not a lot of organizations can say.
“Not many organizations have a legacy of 100 years,” said MacDonald, also the mayor of Leamington.
MacDonald remarked that the WECHS was originally known as the Essex County Humane Society and the care and compassion for animals has been long-standing.
“You see it in the faces of the people who work here and volunteer here,” said MacDonald, who also thanked Bain and the WECHS team.
One of the focuses of the Jan. 29 event was to highlight recent accomplishments such as the Helping Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic, a mobile outreach program designed to support pet owners experiencing financial hardship. Helping Paws has already hosted two clinics, providing veterinary care to more than 95 animals, with additional clinics planned throughout the year.
The program helps keep pets healthy, housed, and with the families who love them.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first 100 years, but even more excited about what’s ahead,” said Bain. “Programs like Helping Paws show what’s possible when community partners come together to remove barriers to care.”
WECHS also announced an expanded adoption partnership with local businesses and PetSmart Charities. In 2026, more offsite adoption pop-ups are planned across Essex County.
The humane society has started significant upgrades within the shelter, with more improvements planned in the months ahead. Recent investments include enhancements to animal care areas, including the renovation of all seven cat intake rooms, made possible through the “Cozy Cats” Giving Tuesday campaign.
This year the WECHS will also see the pilot launch of a youth volunteer program, aimed at inspiring the next generation of animal advocates while supporting positive outcomes for animals in care.
WECHS has launched an updated 100 year-celebration logo, a fresh look for the website, along with a newly unveiled in-shelter mural that reflects on its journey from past to present. Looking to the future, the WECHS officially launched its “Fuel the Future” campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 to fund two new animal rescue and relief vehicles. These vehicles will support emergency rescues, animal welfare responses, outreach initiatives, and mobile veterinary clinics across the community.
“As we honour our past, we’re focused on building a future where every animal has access to care, safety, and compassion,” said Bain. “Fuel the Future will help ensure we can continue showing up for animals and our community for the next 100 years.”
For more information, visit www.windsorhumane.org or call 519-966-5751.
By Ron Giofu