Board of Directors Update at the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven
Chilliwack, BC – March 6, 2026
The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven announces that Ayelet Cohen, Chris Kamachi, and Rebeka Breder have resigned from the Board of Directors effective immediately.
The Safe Haven Board would like the community to know the following to clarify online rumours that have been damaging to the organization and distracting from the important work being done to help cats in Chilliwack.
Under the Societies Act and the Safe Haven’s bylaws, the Board is permitted to appoint directors to fill vacancies and strengthen governance capacity, up to 9 members. Over the past decade, the organization has faced ongoing challenges in attracting, obtaining, and electing skilled and experienced board members willing to serve in a volunteer governance capacity. Director appointments have been one of the mechanisms used to ensure operational stability and appropriate oversight.
Due to misunderstandings surrounding the recent appointments of three board members, it was mutually agreed that stepping down is in the best interest of the Society to allow the organization to move forward with clarity and unity.
The Board would also like to address widespread misinformation suggesting that the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is taking over the Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven. This is simply not true and never has been. The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven remains an independent organization governed by its own Board of Directors. In spite of repeatedly dismissing this rumour, a GoFundMe program was started unnecessarily. Ideally these funds could have gone to the cats in our care.
To further ensure clarity and reinforce the Haven’s independence, Eyal Litchmann, who had been working with the Board in the capacity of an organizational consultant, stepped down on March 1, 2026. Whereas we would like to have taken advantage of their expertise to grow our own operations again we recognize the need to take these actions to promote collaboration.
Key Clarifications
The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven is a no-kill shelter. This means we do not euthanize a cat because it has high medical needs or associated costs. We take in cats with significant medical and special needs who might otherwise have nowhere to go, and we are committed not only to providing high-quality care but also to adopting cats into loving, forever homes whenever possible.
Over the past two months, more than 56 cats have been adopted into homes, including several long-term residents who are now enjoying their new families and cozy beds.
One of the programs that reflects our commitment to supporting cats regardless of medical complexity is our Forever Foster Program. Cats with complex or lifelong medical conditions are placed in dedicated foster homes while the Safe Haven continues to support their medical needs.
Providing care for these vulnerable cats requires substantial and ongoing resources. For example, we recently started a GoFundMe to help offset the estimated $10,000 medical costs associated with, Bubbles’ a beautiful chocolate Siamese who previously had his eyes removed. Bubbles still needs significant medical care. The cats in our care rely on this support for lifesaving treatment and ongoing medical management. To help offset Bubbles’ care, please visit Bubbles GoFundMe
Like many non-profits and animal rescues, we work collaboratively with other organizations to share knowledge and resources to improve animal care. We are working with RAPS’ veterinarians, Haven Veterinary Services (as recommended by Dr. Nicolette Joosting), and local veterinary clinics to enhance the care of the cats in our care. These partnerships have enabled us to obtain free veterinary care for cats who were well overdue for exams, as well as dental extractions and cleanings from RAPS at 75% less than typical costs. We have also been able to secure medical supplies, food, and other essential items at significantly reduced rates through these partnerships, helping us stretch donor dollars further and provide better care for the cats.
We acknowledge that change can be difficult and that significant operational updates may seem unnecessary to some. However, to remain compliant with animal welfare guidelines, WorkSafe requirements, and other regulatory standards, these changes are essential and cannot wait. A recent operational review identified urgent matters requiring attention.
Community Support & Volunteers
If you find a stray cat, please contact us at info@thesafehaven.ca or call our staff line at 604-997-0079 for assistance. We are not turning cats away from receiving care. We are not sending cats to other rescues. We hope to fundraise in the coming months and years for much-needed capital improvements and renovations that will allow us to house and care for more cats. Please know that we are still here to help our community and are not going anywhere.
We are always looking for more volunteers and foster homes. The Safe Haven has recently created three new volunteer positions to better serve the care of the cats:
- Volunteer Orientation Lead
- Volunteer – Cat/Kitten Comforter
- Volunteer Shift Lead – Animal Care
Speaking of volunteer hours; in 2025 alone, more than 10,000 hours of volunteer time were donated to keeping the Safe Haven running. We hope to increase that number even further throughout 2026. Those interested in volunteering or fostering are encouraged to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@thesafehaven.ca. These roles assist staff in providing the best possible care while helping reduce operational costs.
The Safe Haven Board remains fully committed to serving our community and, most importantly, to helping the cats in our care. Our priority continues to be providing safe shelter, medical support, and responsible adoption pathways for vulnerable cats.
Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven remains fully operational. Rescue efforts, foster coordination, adoptions, and daily animal care continue without interruption.
The organization thanks Ms. Cohen, Mr. Kamachi, and Ms. Breder for their time and contributions during their service on the Board. Further updates regarding governance and future board appointments will be shared as appropriate.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Email: info@thesafehaven.ca
