Help Build the Farm

Be a part of making Ladybird’s dream sanctuary a reality

In 2010, Melissa McClelland, Lisa Winn and Janine Stoll sat in Melissa’s backyard talking about shelter animals who desperately need homes. They started dreaming about a safe haven that they could create for them. Since that day, these three women have been working to make this dream a reality. Since the first successful rescue in December 2010, Ladybird has grown to rescue over 1,000 animals from high-volume shelters. This was all made possible with the help of generous donations from the public and help from invaluable volunteers. Ladybird has loved and cared for every animal that has crossed their path as an adoption and foster network. The Ladybird community has been touched deeply by every single one of these stories.

What’s Next?

With humble beginnings as an adoption and foster network based in Hamilton Ontario, Ladybird is now ready to meet the next BIG challenge to fulfill the original BIG dream. Ladybird is working towards acquiring a property to host Ladybird Animal Sanctuary. Now is the time to look to the future and create a Ladybird run, safe haven for animals in need. Help Ladybird make the dream come true for all of these deserving animals. Help Ladybird build a dream sanctuary!

To make your contribution to this campaign, please click the link below
and make sure to select the “Buy a Brick” fund.

THE VISION

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary strives to achieve a balance between three main values to create a harmonious and self-sustaining gathering space for the community and animals to engage and thrive. The values include: Animal Welfare, Environmental Sustainability and Community Engagement.

1. Animal Welfare

Ladybird’s primary mandate has always been to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need. The farm will allow us more room to grow our rescue operations and adoption program. We will be able to expand our program to accommodate small farm animals, which has been a long-time goal of ours. A farm will give us the space and flexibility to provide a safe and caring environment for special needs animals to thrive, for senior animals to live out their days in peace and happiness, and for those in need of hospice – a comfortable and loving place for their final days. Below are some of the programs and initiatives planned for the sanctuary.

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

• Adoption Programs
• Foster Programs
• Animal Therapy Programs
• Educational Programs
• Animal Welfare Conferences
• Tours
• Hospice Care
• Dog Training
• On-Site Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic

2. Environmental Sustainability

Ladybird endeavours to build a sustainably property that is not only a healthy healing space for the animals who stay there, but also healthy for the environment and for the people who work at and visit the sanctuary. Our goal is to partner with like-minded companies and individuals and work to build structures and projects that will help create a self-sustaining, off-grid sanctuary. Ladybird Animal Sanctuary will be a working showcase for green energy technologies, eco-friendly building materials and innovative environmental design; all with a goal of respecting the natural environment, and finding ways to make the most of what the unique plot of land offers. Visitors and eco-tourists will be invited to come tour the sanctuary and find out about all these initiatives and projects to help inspire a greener future.

Below are some of our ideas which will continue to grow and evolve.

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

• Eco-Tours
• Community Build Days
• Green Technology Showcase
• Solar Grid Buy Back
• Apiary
• Sugar Bush
• Pumpkin Patch
• Sunflower field
• Vineyard
• Community Gardens
• Farm Land Rental (organic)

3. Community Engagement

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary will be a safe and accessible community space to bring people together to share art, knowledge and ideas. Artists, builders, architects, yogis, vets, vet techs, animal lovers, crafters, bakers and cooks, gardeners… let’s come together to build a space we can all enjoy and be proud of. A place where animals and people can thrive in harmony.

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

• Building/Construction days
• Art/Sculpture Garden
• Workshops/Classes/Camps
• Fitness/Wellness Programs
• Event Hosting/Rentals
• Fundraising and Special Events
• Member Days
• Tours
• Summer Farmer’s Market

THE PROPERTY

Ladybird is currently seeking help finding our dream location

Ladybird is currently seeking our dream property. Throughout 2020 Ladybird will be focusing on a campaign to help us reach our goal of building a physical sanctuary. If you or someone you know has a lead on the perfect plot of land or farm, please get in touch and help us find a home for our sanctuary.

Our wish list:

• 1 hour driving radius of Hamilton
• 20+ Acres
• Zoned for agriculture or hobby farm
• Mix of wooded and cleared area
• Not in close proximity to neighbours

Bonus features:

• Usable existing structures (house, sheds, barn, etc.)
• Pond(s) or stream(s)
• No nearby rendering plants, meat or poultry farms

Do you know of the perfect place for Ladybird to build our sanctuary? We’re open to exploring all options, so please don’t be shy! Reach out today!

HELP BUILD THE FARM: VIRTUAL CONCERT EVENT 2021

Thanks to all who celebrated Giving Tuesday 2021 with Ladybird! Our second annual fundraising concert for our ‘Help Build the Farm’ capital campaign, is a wrap! This Concert Fundraising Event featured performances by: Greg Keelor, William Prince, Ndidi O Suzie Ungerleider, Suzie Vinnick, The Pairs and was proudly sponsored by The Brow Room.

HELP BUILD THE FARM: VIRTUAL CONCERT EVENT 2020

In 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic a lot of things changed. We were unable to run in person community events, which was tough. But with the help of some incredibly talented friends we were able to do some pretty creative things. This was by far one of our most favourite events. We held this Virtual Concert on Giving Tuesday in 2020 that had the most phenomenal lineup of musical talent. You can view most of the concert below. Enjoy!!!

Thanks to Our 2023 Community Partners