In honour of my mom, Dena Galay, who passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2025 from cancer, we’re creating this fundraiser to celebrate her life and what would have been her 58th birthday on August 15th.

Dena had a deep love for animals, and one of the causes closest to both our hearts was Hope for Wildlife . We’re inviting friends and family to support this fundraiser in her name — as a way to honour her legacy of love, generosity, and appreciation for all living beings.

Hope for Wildlife became one of her favourite show s in the last few years of her life — especially when watching it with our dog Harriet curled up beside her. She loved seeing the animals and the compassion of the people who dedicate their time and energy to care for them. I looked forward to hearing her talk about the animals in the latest episodes — we were so touched by the stories.

My mom’s generosity and connection to animals and the natural world are two big things I’ll always remember and be inspired by. She told me that one of her dreams was to work with dogs or other animals someday. We had planned to take a wild animal care course together in Australia on her first visit — something I still hope to do, with her in spirit, by my side.

If you’re able to come to her upcoming memorial, we’d love to have you there. And whether you can make it or not, we invite you to celebrate her life and birthday by supporting the animals she cared so deeply about.

Instead of flowers or other offerings, please consider donating — every little bit helps us lift up as many animals as possible. All funds raised will go directly to the Hope for Wildlife Sanctuary, in honour of Dena’s name.

Thank you for helping us honour her by giving back to the wild she so deeply treasured.