At Cpl. Shari Irving Memorial Foundation, is a registered Canadian charity (no.801431586RR0001). The Foundation uses Animal Assisted Learning (A.A.L.) to help foster empathy and resiliency in youth. This method involves animals that teach via their intrinsic nature, situation, and environment. Emphasis is placed on the origin of the rescued animals. For any clients who have experienced abuse and/or neglect themselves, the parallel is obvious. The animals have suffered but now are doing well. It is possible to do well even when bad things have happened. Mandates: To pair “special needs” youth (up to age 21) with animals in therapeutic activities to help reduce anxiety, and to support emotional, mental and/or physical healing. Special needs are inclusive of a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions. If you want to know more about donations, activities, events or campaigns call us on +15064690785 to get in touch.
This project is brought about in the memory of the late Corporal Shari Lynn Irving (April 10, 1987 - August 28, 2013). Shari was an aircraft technician in the 409 Night Hawks squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force. She was named 4 Wing Citizen of the Year 2011-2012 "in recognition of exceptional community service" in Cold Lake, Alberta. Shari worked extensively with youth and animals in the community via Big Brother, Big Sisters agency, Girl Guides, and the SPCA. The establishment of a charitable foundation to provide timely, low-cost/no-cost therapeutic interventions between children and animals would combine her major interests. Shari firmly believed that help should be available and accessible to those who need it.
We help those who need it the most and survive a stringent selection criterion for a smattering of help. Wise beyond her years, Shari understood that childhood trauma often is the basis for adult mental health issues. She also understood that those who harm animals will often progress to harming humans. On the flip side, Shari saw animals as furry (or scaly!) human beings, and that pets and humans have a symbiotic and helping relationships. The foundation project seeks partnerships with individuals, agencies, and businesses re-developing a charitable community-based network of interventions
Charlotte County