Have your team join our Shelter Takeover program!
EHS’ Shelter Takeover program invites organizations to “takeover” the shelter for a day, allowing for a unique hands-on experience where you and your team get the chance to engage in shelter initiatives and activities that support the overall function and mission of EHS.
By taking part in the Shelter Takeover program, you will give your organization a unique team building experience by doing good deeds to help animals in need! It’s a meaningful way to engage your team, support a great cause and contribute to the Edmonton Humane Society’s mission.
Our Shelter Takeover program offers an immersive experience at our shelter. This program includes activities designed to promote team building while supporting the animals and shelter operations.
Participants will enjoy a guided tour, scheduled group activities, lunch and an opportunity to interact with one of our animal ambassadors (subject to availability). Each attendee will receive a t-shirt and group photos will be taken and shared with you and on our social media accounts.
As part of the program, the Edmonton Humane Society requests a minimum contribution of $2,500. If your company has been a long-time supporter of the EHS, we encourage you to submit an application, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
We can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. To ensure enough space in the shelter and a meaningful experience for everyone, we kindly ask that larger groups schedule two separate visits.
A maximum of two youths (ages 12 to 16) per group can volunteer alongside a guardian (18 years or older), with a total group size of up to 12 people.
Groups with volunteers aged 16 and older are welcome to participate independently, also with a maximum group size of 12.
Yes, this program is resource intensive and in very high demand. All donations are used to directly support the animals in our care. The Edmonton Humane Society does not receive any ongoing government operational funding and as such we rely on donations to serve homeless, neglected animals in need.
Donations must be received prior to the start of the volunteer day, so groups that need to fundraise are encouraged to do so prior to filling in our Shelter Takeover application form.
Groups who wish to take part but need to fundraise the required $2500 donation are encouraged to reach out to us and we can suggest fun and creative ways for your group to fundraise for a volunteer day.
Here are some fundraiser ideas:
Groups participating in this program will be eligible for a tax receipt. The amount of the receipt will be based on the donation, minus the value of any experiential benefits received, such as lunch and apparel.
Group volunteering boosts team morale, strengthens collaboration, enhances your groups community presence, and makes a meaningful difference for our shelter animals, while promoting employee engagement and social responsibility.
No special skills or training are required for most activities. We will provide any necessary instruction or materials for the specific task or event. If certain activities require specialized skills, we will let you know in advance.
Each group’s experience will vary depending on current shelter needs and initiatives.
Activities may include tasks such as:
Yes, we can accommodate half-day visits or adjusted start/end times for your group. Please contact us to discuss the available options.