OTTAWA, ON, October 27, 2026 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) has launched "Care Can't Wait", a GivingTuesday campaign focused on a critical challenge facing animals in remote and conflict-affected communities: getting veterinary care before treatable health problems become serious or life-threatening.
Thanks to a generous estate gift from the late Valerie Porter, an animal lover whose legacy will help make veterinary care possible for animals in need, all eligible donations will be tripled through December 1, 2026, up to the first $55,000 raised. With $110,000 in matching funds available, the campaign has the potential to raise $165,000 to support VWB's animal health programs.
In remote Northern communities, conflict-affected regions and other underserved areas, distance, limited services and disrupted veterinary systems can put essential care out of reach. For animals facing illness or injury, these barriers can mean waiting days or longer for treatment — sometimes with serious consequences for their health and well-being.
"When an animal is sick or injured, the difference between getting veterinary care today or waiting until next week can be significant," said Janine Mitchell, Executive Director of VWB. "In many of the communities where we work, veterinary services aren't readily available. Our focus is on helping ensure that animals can receive the care they need, when they need it — regardless of where they live."
In Ukraine, where ongoing conflict has disrupted access to essential veterinary services, timely care can mean the difference between life and death. Tilly, a dog rescued by VWB partner 12 Guards, suffered a critical head injury and was reportedly given just a one per cent chance of survival. Veterinarian Anna Stepanenko performed several complex surgeries, including skull reconstruction, to treat her injuries.
Against the odds, Tilly survived. She has since found a new home with a family in Berlin, Germany — a remarkable recovery made possible through dedicated veterinary care in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Across its programs, VWB works with veterinary teams and local partners to provide essential treatment, vaccinations, preventive care and medication. In remote Northern communities, visiting veterinary clinics and trained Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) help address gaps in animal health services. In Ukraine, local partners continue to treat animals affected by conflict, often under extraordinarily difficult conditions.
"We're deeply grateful for Valerie Porter's generosity and the extraordinary opportunity her legacy has created," Mitchell added. "This gift gives our supporters the chance to triple their impact, helping more animals receive the veterinary care they need. It's a meaningful way to honour her memory while making a lasting difference for animals and the people who care for them."
VWB/VSF's "Care Can't Wait" campaign runs through December 1, 2026. Supporters have until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 1 to triple their gifts and help provide timely veterinary care for animals who need it most.
👉 Learn more and make your GivingTuesday gift at: at: vwb.org/givingtuesday
* Donations will be tripled on the first $55,000 in eligible gifts received until Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST, in memory of Valerie Porter. For monthly gifts, only the first month's donation will be tripled.
------------------------------------------------
About VWB/VSF: Founded in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving community health through enhanced animal health. Using a “One Health” approach, we work with diverse partners to strengthen community-centered animal health systems, directly benefiting the people and environments that rely on them. As the North American affiliate of VSF International, VWB/VSF operates independently, with ongoing programs in Africa, Asia, Northern Canada, and Europe. Our efforts focus on disease prevention, sustainable livelihoods, equitable access to resources, capacity building, and humanitarian relief, reaching over 1 million people annually. Learn more: www.vwb.org
Media Contact:
Tanja Kisslinger
Director of Communications
VWB/VSF North America
tanja@vwb.org / +1 613 413 5776
