Our Board of Directors
John Rice - President
I was raised in southern Ontario and graduated from the University of Western Ontario. After living in Ottawa and Edmonton, I moved to Brandon with my family in 1972. I was rescued from a life of aimless teaching and research at Brandon University by my wife Barbara and daughter Shahna who allowed me to live among their large collection of fostered and adopted cats, dogs and horses. I was aggression tested for other animals and once found suitable I was allowed to do veterinarian runs for Furry Friends and to walk dogs so long as I didn't bite people. Ultimately, I bonded very strongly with the world's greatest dog, Ricki who chose me to care for her after Shahna's death. My wife and I continue to maintain the strong association of Funds For Furry Friends with the Brandon Humane Society and Tracy Munn, Shahna's great friend there.
D'Arcy Barker - Chief Financial Officer
D’Arcy Barker is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Funds for Furry Friends. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer since the inception of the Corporation when Shahna Rice was the founding President. D’Arcy is a Chartered Financial Planner and Registered Employee Benefits Consultant and brokers for Canada’s leading insurance and investment institutions. D’Arcy is a proud Foster Dad for Funds for Furry Friends and also a very proud Dad to his Alaskan Malamute, Beyonce!
Theresa van Hoof - Director
Theresa’s involvement with Funds For Furry Friends goes back to the early years of FFFF and she has been very active in the rescue through volunteering, fostering and serving on the
Board of Directors.
When Theresa moved to Brandon, she befriended FFFF founder, Shahna Rice. They bonded through their mutual love of animals and Shahna became a great friend and mentor. Shahna had a dog that needed a foster home and Theresa’s FFFF foster career soon began!
Theresa especially enjoyed fostering expectant mother dogs and moms with litters of puppies whenever possible. With the support and help of her husband Dave and daughter Claire, Theresa welcomed many wonderful foster dogs into their home including Penelope Beagle, their ONLY “foster failure”. They decided to officially adopt Penelope in 2005 and she enjoyed life until the age of 17. Theresa has since relocated to Ottawa but remains involved in the rescue remotely.
Board of Directors.
When Theresa moved to Brandon, she befriended FFFF founder, Shahna Rice. They bonded through their mutual love of animals and Shahna became a great friend and mentor. Shahna had a dog that needed a foster home and Theresa’s FFFF foster career soon began!
Theresa especially enjoyed fostering expectant mother dogs and moms with litters of puppies whenever possible. With the support and help of her husband Dave and daughter Claire, Theresa welcomed many wonderful foster dogs into their home including Penelope Beagle, their ONLY “foster failure”. They decided to officially adopt Penelope in 2005 and she enjoyed life until the age of 17. Theresa has since relocated to Ottawa but remains involved in the rescue remotely.
