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What's On! Mission | In the Community by Ellen Nguyen & Joyce Smith  In 1999, during a time of crisis, the Fraser Valley Humane Society emerged from a deep need within the community. From its humble beginnings, FVHS has evolved into a vital lifeline for the animals of the Fraser Valley, particularly cats. As FVHS marks its 25th anniversary, the organization reflects on its journey, celebrates its achievements, and looks forward to continuing its mission. A Shelter Born from Need When FVHS was established, Mission lacked a shelter to care for cats. While nearby cities had SPCA facilities, Mission only had a pound that did not accommodate felines. The city’s sprawling neighborhoods, interspersed with farmland, made it a frequent dumping ground for unwanted cats. The sight of cats crossing roads at night, once cherished pets turned feral, was common and heartbreaking. FVHS set out to change this, and for the past 25 years, it has tirelessly provided a safe haven for these animals. Our Mission: Compassionate Care and Happy Endings At FVHS, every cat that enters its doors receives top-tier care. The knowledgeable staff, passionate volunteers, and dedicated veterinarians work together to ensure each cat is rehabilitated, housed, fed, medicated, and socialized. From the moment a cat arrives, it undergoes a thorough veterinary examination, receives necessary treatments, and is provided with a high-quality diet tailored to its needs. Each cat is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being made available for adoption. The “Kitty Keepers” at FVHS are experts in their field, ensuring that every adoption is a cause for celebration. Milestones and Memories Over the years, FVHS has achieved significant milestones, including the 2005 Spay & Neuter Campaign, which reduced unwanted litters by spaying and neutering hundreds of cats. Recognized with the District of Mission Community Service Award in 2003, FVHS’ adoptable cats have also been featured in Pet Lovers Digest and hosted successful fundraisers, from bake sales to Beer & Burger nights. This year, they celebrated their grand reopening at their new location on Mission Way, marking another exciting chapter in their journey. Stories of Survival and Love Among the many cats cared for by FVHS, a few stand out as symbols of resilience and hope. Dodge, a large gray tabby, became a favorite at Cedar Grove Animal Hospital after surviving a gunshot wound. Despite the metal fragments lodged in his face, Dodge remained sweet and affectionate, capturing the hearts of everyone who met him. His story is a testament to the cruelty some animals face and the unwavering commitment of FVHS to provide the care they need, no matter the cost. Another memorable story is that of The Buster Brown Care Group, a small rescue group that eventually merged with FVHS. Founded by a grieving individual after the loss of her brother, the group cared for over 120 animals, providing essential veterinary care to those in need. Without the generosity and support of Dr. Colleen Federici and her caring staff, Buster Brown could not have afforded to help so many. Their dedication laid the groundwork for what FVHS has become today, and their legacy lives on in the work FVHS does. Our Services and Programs FVHS offers a range of services and programs, including:
Join Us in Our Mission Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, support is crucial to FVHS's continued success. Check out fraservalleyhumanesociety.com to learn more or visit us at #24 – 32929 Mission Way. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit our website to stay updated on our latest news and events.
What's On! Mission | Looking Back by Ellen Nguyen | Photos provided by Janis Schultz  Charlie with wife, Yvonne Charles Albert Miller, affectionately known as “Pompa” by his grandchildren, was a man whose life was intricately woven into the fabric of the Fraser Valley. Born in Eastbourne, England, on October 21, 1902, Charlie's journey to British Columbia began in 1903 when his parents, Marcia Elizabeth and Albert George Miller, brought him to Ruskin. There, his father purchased 160 acres of land, laying the foundation for the Miller family's deep roots in the area. Charlie’s early life was marked by hard work and resilience. His first paid jobs were at Heaps General Store and later at a shingle mill. In 1921, Charlie and his father opened their own sawmill, known as "Riversiding," on the family's land. The mill operated until they logged out all the timber on the surrounding 1,000 acres, at which point they sold the equipment. This period instilled in Charlie a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land, qualities that would define his later years. In 1925, Charlie married Blanche Yvonne Antaya, and they soon started a family. Their daughters, Jacqueline, born in 1926, and Charmaine, born in 1928, grew up in the Ruskin area, initially living in the house Charlie’s parents had settled into upon their arrival in 1903. In 1932, after Charlie secured full-time employment with BC Electric, he built a new home on what was then known as Miller Road. The family eagerly moved in before the interior was even finished, excited to begin this new chapter. The house, a blend of Charlie's carpentry skills and Yvonne’s eye for charm and convenience, became a cherished home for the Miller family. Charlie's career with BC Electric, later BC Hydro, spanned over three decades. He worked as a carpenter at the Ruskin generating station, constructing outbuildings that have since been lost to time. He genuinely enjoyed his work, and his dedication to the job was evident in everything he did. Charlie’s love for the outdoors was equally strong. Throughout the 1930s to the 1950s, Charles and Yvonne were active members of the Mission area, particularly through their involvement in the Mission Rod and Gun Club. Charles served as the club’s president for many years, earning a reputation as an outstanding naturalist. An avid fisherman and hunter, he often spent his free time in the woods and on the rivers of the region, passing on his passion for nature to his grandchildren. After retiring in 1963 and the death of his wife in 1977, Charles moved from Hatzic, where they had been living, back to Ruskin to live with his daughter Jacqueline. He devoted himself to chronicling the area's history, capturing the stories of early pioneers and the native Salish Indians. His books, The Golden Mountains (1973) and Valley of the Stave (1981), are treasured for their detailed accounts of the region’s history and are essential reading for anyone interested in the Fraser Valley. The Miller home, with its rich history and significance, still stands today, protected under a "Heritage Revitalization Agreement" signed in 2010. Charlie Miller passed away in September 1988 at the Pleasant View Home in Mission, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service, and a deep love for the Fraser Valley. His story is not only a tale of one man’s life but also a reflection of the pioneering spirit that helped shape the Fraser Valley.
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