What We Do
We transport and administer vital veterinary medicines and supplies to communities in need. These include: vaccination and deworming treatments. We educate whole families on animal management and health options to improve living conditions for themselves and their livestock.
How it Started
Following the magnitude 7 earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, a group of caring individuals were struck by the devastation and continued decline in human and animal health. We formed V.A.S.T., a humanitarian veterinary charitable organization based out of Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
What We Stand For
It is essential that all members of the community feel empowered and involved in rebuilding their agricultural sector. We are committed to building communities of resilient, informed, connected and uplifted people through the animals that provide the foundation of their security.
Meet the Team
Our team has a variety of backgrounds, and includes veterinarians, animal husbandry technicians, agricultural specialists, accountants, an economic advisor, lawyer, mechanic, photographer, social worker and a nurse.
Dr. Jasmine, Executive Director
Nicknamed the "energized Tigger", La Doctora is generally difficult to pin down. Fairly vibrating with all of the 'to-do lists' running through her head, Jasmine can be found attempting to balance coordinating V.A.S.T. and half a dozen other projects, with running National-level disease surveillance programming and development of zoonotic disease prevention protocols.
Dr. Tyra, Executive Treasurer
I grew up on a grain farm and have loved agriculture ever since. I enjoy being outside, sports and being active, laughing, and volunteering. I am so happy to be a part of V.A.S.T.!!! With V.A.S.T, I have the opportunity to share knowledge about veterinary medicine and agriculture, and work with people and their farm animals in developing countries worldwide to solve problems, which may ultimately benefit people and animals.
Dr. Rayna, Executive Secretary
I am a passionate problem solver and try to use the skills and experiences I’ve gained through my life’s journey to help others. With a Master’s degree in swine medicine, and having worked with the Western Canadian swine industry for more years than I’d like to admit, I’m currently based in Airdrie, Alberta working at honing my skills in veterinary epidemiology, acting, avoiding bears, and writing.
Dr. Marina, Fundraising
Dr. Marina is from Vancouver Island, BC. While attempting to complete her MSc in Epidemiology from the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, she also coordinates family, work, making balloon animals and tracking down potential new sponsors for V.A.S.T.
Dr. Amanda, Fundraising
Dr. Amanda is from Manitoba and took a bit of a hiatus to get married and have a baby. Still an avid supporter, she is full of ideas for streamlining workshops and teaching new students
Dr. Jessica, Fundraising
Dr. Jessica is from Bowen Island, BC, and thrives on crazy deadlines and high pressure. Though she should have gone into politics or at the very least trauma medicine, she has lately developed a love for teaching the next generation of veterinarians. She's currently based with the SPCA in Fiji, making a difference one day at a time.
Dr. Arinjay, Sponsorship & Recruitment
Dr. Arinjay Banerjee (PhD) is a virologist specializing in studying zoonotic viruses, such as coronaviruses, how they interact with wildlife animal reservoirs species and spillover species such as humans. Arinjay is a NSERC postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University and will be joining VIDO at the University of Saskatchewan in April 2021 as a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator.
Michelle, Finances
Michelle was born in Alberta, but finished school in Saskatchewan. She balances keeping V.A.S.T. on the financial straight and narrow with family, fitness, work, home renovations and her newfound dream of sky diving.
Rick, Programming
Originally from Alberta, Rick is a beekeeper, minister, prime mover and motivator, and the driving force behind V.A.S.T. Between juggling family, two businesses and multiple other responsibilities, he barely has time for Suduko, let alone helping organize V.A.S.T. trips, yet somehow makes it all happen.
Tobi, Communications
Tobi is from Saskatchewan and handy with all things mechanical. While timing seems to run on his own schedule, he still manages to pull most things off.
Jeff, Technology & Media Development
Jeff is a Calgary-based photographer and digital media guru. His work has been exhibited across Canada and published in magazines in North America as well as Europe. While busy helping raise his two sons, creating websites and art projects, he always has time for coffee.
Liz, Fundraising & Supply Acquisition
Hillary, Fundraising & Supply Acquisition
Lynnette, Fundraising & Supply Acquisition
Jocelyn, Fundraising & Supply Acquisition