I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news that Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VWB/VSF) is expanding its reach into the United States!
Recently, we announced the acquisition of our charitable designation in the U.S., our 501(c)(3), marking an incredible milestone for our organization. Thanks to people just like you, VWB/VSF has grown to become Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amerique du Nord. With you by our side, we will continue in our journey to improve the health of communities and animals across North America.
As we embark on this new chapter, our two charities, Veterinarians Without Borders Canada and Veterinarians Without Borders USA, have united under the name Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB North America). This consolidation not only symbolizes our shared mission but also encapsulates the unity and collaboration that define our efforts in more than a dozen countries, where we annually serve over 1.5 million people and animals.
This journey has been marked by inspiring moments and impactful work, both globally and in the U.S. This includes providing emergency response support after the wildfires in Maui to offering crucial training services to animal welfare organizations in Vermont and Pennsylvania. We are proud of the strong presence we have established in the United States and are eager to officially bring this inspiring work under the umbrella of VWB North America.
Our work is a testament to the unwavering support of our incredible supporters, including donors, volunteers, staff, board members, and partners. It is your dedication that fuels our mission and continues to propel us forward. With this expansion, we aim to build a foundation for further growth in our programming, leaving a lasting impact on even more animals, people, and communities.
At the heart of our organization is the commitment to the "One Health" approach, which is endorsed by the World Health Organization. We recognize the interconnectedness between healthy animals, healthy people, and healthy environments. Through community-centered animal health systems, we strive to improve the well-being of animals, the people who depend on them, and their shared environments.
Emergency response remains a key pillar of our work, ensuring that no animal is left behind during natural disasters or conflicts. From the Saipan typhoon to the Türkiye earthquake, our teams have provided immediate, on-the-ground support, making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. In war-torn Ukraine, we have supported over 255,000 animals, delivered tons of food, conducted thousands of spays and neuters, and provided online veterinary consultations.
In the U.S., we are offering training services to animal welfare organizations, focusing on animal shelter staff and volunteers. Our efforts extend to remote Northern Canadian communities, where we conduct temporary spay and neuter clinics, combat the spread of rabies, and create conditions for long-term, community-led sustainable animal health services.
More than half of our programming is dedicated to international development work, championing better living conditions for vulnerable populations worldwide. We work to improve the economic and social well-being of communities, especially women and girls, through veterinary and agricultural services, sustainable animal production, and training.
Our community of skilled volunteers is the backbone of our organization, and with the expansion into the U.S., we welcome a broader range of opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to make a difference nationally and internationally. Whether providing direct medical care, pet owner education, or responding to disasters, our volunteers play a crucial role in achieving our mission.
I invite you to join us on this exciting journey of expansion and impact. Whether you choose to volunteer your time or make a gift, your support means providing the gift of veterinary care, creating new opportunities for underprivileged communities, and contributing to a healthier future for all.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people around the world.
Wishing you and your loved ones an incredible holiday season. We can't wait to work together in 2024 and beyond.
Warm regards,
Charmaine Brett
Executive Director
