About Us
Who We Are
We are ORA – Organization for the Rescue of Animals
ORA is a registered charitable organization, 100% volunteer based and strictly no-kill, promoting the humane treatment of all animals and the preservation of wildlife.
ORA operates in and around the Greater Toronto Area, working for the well-being and protection of all animals. While any animal species is the object of our concern (dogs, raccoons, skunks, bears, coyotes, etc.) and while we are devoted to protecting their rights and interests, we have found ourselves largely involved with the rescue of dogs and cats. ORA’s animal rescues thrive within a network of foster homes until they are adopted out into forever loving homes.
As a 100% volunteer run, zero government funding and no shelter to speak of, ORA relies solely upon the supportive generosity of members and donors to fund its programs and rescue operations. ORA does not euthanize. Cats or dogs that do not find forever homes because of age, health issues or behavioural problems, remain in our care for the rest of their natural lives.
As a result of our no kill policy, many of the cats and dogs under our care are seniors. However, they live and thrive in the ORA sanctuary.
Our Mission
At ORA we believe that we are here to share the earth with our fellow animals and to live in harmony and peace with every species. We believe that humans do not have the right to abuse or exploit animals. With compassion, we must protect all creatures on this earth. For domestic animals, we must provide all possible care and for wildlife, we advocate against the destruction of the environment which is driving many species into extinction or condemning them to a miserable existence at the margins of human communities. We believe we have a moral obligation to take care of and to protect our fellow animals.
If we do not do just that we cannot call ourselves “civilized”.
Team
Corinne Thaw
Corinne run the ORA facility and ensures all the animals are well taken care of. She is an advocate for no-kill, no euthanization of animals. She gives tirelessly of her time to support the many aging animals to provide them with all they need to live and thrive in a comfortable and safe environment.
Josef & Cathy Dreskler
Cathy and Joseph have been assiduously and consistently volunteering for ORA for over 8 years.They dedicate several hours a week, taking many ORA dogs for long forest walks twice a week and helping with many small and large chores. They even take some of our dogs on much-appreciated holidays.
Edna Gharakhanian
Edna has been a friend and supporter of ORA for the past 10 years. Although she maintains a hectic schedule, Edna dedicates much of her free time helping us with the many tasks involved in caring for the animals.
Rod Bemister
Rod has been our Santa for over 9 years. Every year he dedicates several weekends in November and December to pose with hundreds of dogs and cats during the ORA Christmas Photos with Santa events, and throughout the GTA. Rod has an incredible ability to comfort and relax even the shyest of animals, and he accomplishes everything with a huge Santa smile. Rod is definitely the best Santa ever!