14 | Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2026 Most Compassionate Animal Sanctuary NPO 2026 – USA Catherine Violet Hubbard was one of 20 students killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012. A passionate lover of animals, the memory of six-year-old Catherine lives on through the namesake Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, an NPO promoting compassion and healing through the power of human-animal connections. It does this mainly via the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which we are delighted to recognise in this programme. Contact: Harmony Verna Company: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary Web Address: www.cvhfoundation.org The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation was established as a 501 (c) (3) organisation in 2013, before quickly announcing its plans to create the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, a tribute to a kind, compassionate animal lover whose life was taken from her under the most tragic circumstances. Across 34 acres of state farmland in Connecticut, this beautiful memoriam stands for animal welfare, humane education, and environmental stewardship, keeping animals free from harm in homes and their natural habitats. Animal welfare has always been the primary focus for this sanctuary, which works towards it at every turn. For example, its Senior Paw Project sees approximately 450 pets of financially insecure seniors supported through veterinary wellness, prescriptive care, and monthly food deliveries, aiding wellbeing and keeping the connection with their owners strong. Similarly, by shining a light on animal rescues, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has seen more than 1,000 animals adopted, thereby addressing some of the major systematic challenges facing the world of animal welfare today. Concerning humane education, this animal sanctuary prides itself on equipping both children and adults alike with the knowledge and responsibility they need to treat animals humanely and care for the natural world. This is seen through an empathy-based education that aligns with the standards set by both the state and the national curriculum. Examples of this ethos in action include its free and lowcost community programmes, which welcome people of all ages to get inspired and treat animals, others, and the wider planet with love. Lastly, the third area of focus for this sanctuary is environmental stewardship, especially preserving the 34 acres of open space, woodlands, meadows, and pollinator habitat it has nurtured, with this offering refuge for native wildlife and serving as a living classroom on the importance of conservation. Also, as a certified monarch waystation, firefly, and wildlife habitat, this location is modelling an ecosystem of sustainability and stewardship. Behind every one of the projects and programmes delivered under these three banners is a team of only seven full-time employees, with their ambition and dedication resulting in an incredible impact that stretches well beyond Connecticut. All of these individuals possess an innate kindness and a shared passion for making the world a better place for all. A sanctuary-wide emphasis on humane values and hands-on experiences help the team to realise this, allowing them to cultivate a generation where kindness is a daily occurrence. Excitingly, 2026 marks another fantastic year for the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the annual Catherine’s Butterfly Party in June. Connecticut’s largest free day festival focused on pet adoption, the event takes Catherine’s eternal love of animals and brings together dozens of rescue organisations and wildlife ambassadors for a day of adoption opportunities, educational demonstrations, and interactive experiences. More than 10,000 people attend yearly. As part of its anniversary celebrations, this is a year of expansion for the sanctuary, which is honoured to remain alongside the dedicated rescue professionals who save lives every day and are writing the next chapter for those animals looking to find their forever homes. In 2026, this is being expanded nationally to support rescue organisations across the country. This message, ‘BRING LOVE HOME – From Newtown to Your Town’, is being shared to foster a little extra kindness to fellow animal champions across the US. Having emerged as a beacon of kindness and innovation in animal welfare, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has reached more than 150,000 individuals to date, fostering empathy and environmental responsibility. By addressing the local and national challenges caused by limited access to humane education, financial barriers to responsible pet care, and a cultural disconnect between people, animals, and the environment, the team here are creating learning opportunities, preventing harm, and offering full support. Creating something magical and truly long lasting from a heartbreaking situation, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is a fitting homage to a girl whose name and memory will live on forever. We are thrilled to celebrate its accomplishments with an award in this programme, and we urge everyone to learn more using the link above..
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