Windsor, ON — July 7, 2026 — The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) is marking a major milestone in its history with the unveiling of a beautiful centennial garden in Jackson Park. Created in celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary, the garden serves as a vibrant tribute to a century of compassion, advocacy, and care for animals in Windsor and Essex County. Located in Jackson Park, the display can be enjoyed by visitors strolling through the park or by motorists travelling along Ouellette Avenue.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 100 years of serving animals and the people who care about them,” said Lynnette Bain, Executive Director of the WECHS. “The centennial garden is a beautiful way to commemorate this milestone and reflect on the thousands of animals whose lives have been changed through the support of our community.”

The Humane Society is also pleased to announce that it has reached its $100,000 goal for the Fuel the Future campaign, thanks in large part to a generous donation from longtime supporters Tony and Mary Pattinson.

“We’ve always been dog lovers,” says Mary Pattinson.  “At every major event in our lives, there have been dogs standing by us.  We feel that not every human should have a companion animal, but every dog or cat deserves a loving and safe home.  We hope our donation will help animals get there.  This donation is in honour of Muffer, Tasha, Lucy, Bella, Sophie, Ollie and Jack who have all made our lives so much better.”

Fuel the Future was launched to help secure two new vehicles that are essential to the Humane Society’s lifesaving work. The organization’s current vehicles are aging and increasingly unreliable, despite playing a critical role in emergency animal rescues, frontline investigations and response by Animal Protection Officers, and the transportation of animals to veterinary appointments, foster homes, and adoption partners.

The vehicles also support community outreach initiatives and mobile veterinary clinics through the Humane Society’s Helping Paws program, which provides accessible veterinary care to low-income pet owners and helps keep beloved pets healthy and at home with their families.

“Reliable transportation is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” said Bain. “Thanks to the generosity of Tony and Mary Pattinson, along with the many donors who supported this campaign, we can continue responding quickly when animals need help, expanding access to veterinary care, and ensuring lifesaving services reach pets and people throughout our community.”

The centennial garden will remain on display throughout the season in Jackson Park, offering the community an opportunity to join in celebrating this historic milestone.