18/01/2026
When Esther passed in 2023, I knew I wanted to be part of something special to honour her legacy, and to do something that would provide support to local, struggling sanctuaries. But in collaboration with an incredible team, including Krista Hiddema, Lauri Torgerson-White, and Kyle Behrerd, Operation Angels became something so much more than I ever could have imagined.
You all know the massive responsibility that comes with running a farmed animal sanctuary. Sanctuaries provide lifelong care to animals who often come with a scary past and an even scarier future if it weren’t for them and their teams. They also provide critical education and advocate for their residents in our mutual desire to make the world a kinder place for all kinds. But… they’re expected to do ALL of this with very little resources, and with little or no safety net for the next “emergency” rescue or medical situation.
Operation Angels was created to support sanctuaries, not only with financial assistance, but with critically important educational resources to help them do their work well and sustainably. And this is where things get really cool. We have consulted with some of the best and brightest in the sanctuary and advocacy world to create an evaluation tool that will help identify strengths and challenges. We’ve also leaned into Krista’s extensive educational background and amazing SPAA program to develop “SPAA for Sanctuary,” a multi-module educational program that focuses on:
• strong governance and leadership
• high standards of animal care
• social media for fundraising and community building
• long-term planning and organizational health
• pairing funding with real capacity-building
• and more…
These tools are not about perfection, by any means. They’re about sustainability, and about being the best we can be. The best caregivers, the best educators, and the best advocates for the animals who are counting on us.
At launch, we will provide funding support to sanctuaries in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, along with free learning tools and resources available to sanctuaries worldwide.
I want to express my sincere thanks to Krista, Lauri, and Kyle, who have worked tirelessly to make all of this possible, as well as to our amazing team of advisors, contributors, and our Board of Directors, who have given their time, expertise, and encouragement. This project would not exist without them, and I am both proud and humbled to be working alongside them.
If you are interested in learning more about Operation Angels and how we can help your sanctuary, or if you would like to provide financial support (our Angel Donor has offered to add .50 for every $1 we raise) please visit our website at www.operationangels.org, or send us an email at [email protected].
I hope somebody makes you smile today.
xx
Steve.”
