The Alison Caird Young Leader Award


Alison Caird

In 2020 PAVRO renamed this award in honour of Alison Caird. Alison volunteered as a member of the PAVRO Board of Directors for several years and was formally recognized for her dedication and contribution as a recipient of the Linda Buchanan Award for Administrator of the Year in 2004 and the President's Award for exemplary leadership, innovation and fundraising in 2008. To learn more about Alison visit: PAVRO In Memoriam. 

The PAVRO Young Leader Award was created to recognize and encourage excellence in the up and coming generation of leaders within the Volunteer Engagement profession. It acknowledges a professional, aged 35 years and younger (age 35 within calendar year award is presented) who is working directly in the profession and has demonstrated leadership and excellence in Volunteer Engagement either within their organization and/or accomplishments within the professional body (by certifying, volunteering, contributing articles, research or submissions to projects such as the Marilyn Mackenzie Innovation Pilots, etc.).

The successful recipient will receive a $100 credit towards PAVRO activities or events (Conference, workshop or membership) and a personal letter will be sent to the recipient’s supervisor to inform them of the award.

The winner of each year's Award will serve on the Awards Selection Committee for the following year.

Larisa is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her academic background includes education from University of Toronto, namely an Honours BA in Environmental Geography & Human Geography and certificate in Project Management. Over her 10-year tenure at the Toronto Humane Society, Larisa has made contributions in various operations, ranging from Animal Care to Adoptions, Foster, and Transport.

Passionate about the Human-Animal Bond, Larisa initiated the Urgent Care program in 2020, offering vital temporary animal housing to individuals facing crises. In her  most recent role, she applied her keen interest in program development, partnership-building, and volunteer coordination to oversee the care for 1000+ animals each year.

Larisa is currently on maternity leave and learning about the world of parenthood. Upon her return, she will take on the role of Director of Strategic Initiatives & Mission Advancement. She looks forward to making a meaningful difference for animals and their caregivers through implementing key initiatives that align with and propel our mission.