National Philanthropy Day is a special day to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy — and those people active in the philanthropic community — to the enrichment of our world.
The Alberta SPCA nominated two volunteers to be honoured at the 2024 event, Gwen Dambrofsky and Sylvia MacInnes.
Gwen Dambrofsky
Gwen Dambrofsky is the longest serving volunteer at the Alberta SPCA, clocking more than 34 years of contributing her time, skills and expertise. In that time, Gwen has volunteered in nearly every program area, from fundraising to events and currently supports the Education team at schools and teachers’ conventions. As a long-time volunteer, Gwen is very familiar with the education program and her gregarious personality helps her connect with both young people and adults.
As an animal lover, Gwen also volunteers for other local animal organizations with her dog Gilly. Gwen’s long-time commitment to animal welfare has made an indelible mark on our community.
“I have always been a passionate believer in what the Alberta SPCA does, especially its role in educating children about kindness to animals. I have especially enjoyed helping out at teachers’ conventions with the AnimalTales book-lending program and Humane Educators Toolkit, and bringing my little dogs into classrooms to provide that special hands-on learning to young ones.”
Gwen Dambrofsky
Sylvia MacInnes
In 2015, Sylvia founded the Animal Rescue Club at her middle school in Sherwood Park. The club evolved into a comprehensive option class that inspired and educated hundreds of students on animal welfare, community engagement and the power of philanthropy. Sylvia cultivated a unique learning experience that combined animal interactions with lessons on compassion and community service.
The club and its subsequent class have achieved remarkable success, organizing numerous fundraisers and donation drives, collecting supplies and raising more than $100,000 in under ten years. Sylvia has fostered an environment where students develop bonds through common goals, and achieve a sense of accomplishment by helping animals across Alberta. Sylvia’s exceptional ability to inspire has not only positively impacted animals but also instilled a strong sense of community and philanthropy in her students.
“I wanted to educate kids about animal welfare and treatment and help the many groups tasked with protection and caring for animals. What I didn’t expect were the students who were searching for their “place,” found it in Animal Rescue. Tough kids softened, moods shifted toward the positive; and a diverse group of kids found a new purpose at school.”
Sylvia MacInnes
