Vancouver Guardian Interview with Maria & Karen Co-Founder of VOKRA

We’re thrilled to share that VOKRA was recently featured in the Vancouver Guardian! Their article, “Charitable Choices: Maria Soroski and Karen Duncan of VOKRA”, dives into the heart of what we do and why it matters. It’s an inspiring read that highlights the journey of our co-founders, Maria Soroski and Karen Duncan, and the impact we’ve made in the community since we started in 2000.

VOKRA board members

Maria and Karen spoke about how VOKRA began as a small effort to save newborn kittens who needed bottle feeding and how it quickly grew into something much bigger. From rescuing stray and feral cats to creating a network of foster homes and launching a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, the mission has always been clear: end cat homelessness and overpopulation while ensuring every cat gets the care and love they deserve.

Challenges and Community Support

Maria and Karen didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges we’re facing. Rising costs, the pandemic’s impact on vet services, and the ongoing housing crisis have led to more abandoned and unspayed cats than ever. But as they shared with the Vancouver Guardian, we’re determined to keep doing the work that needs to be done.

Our success wouldn’t be possible without the incredible volunteers and supporters who stand behind us. Whether it’s fostering kittens, trapping stray cats for TNR, or helping with fundraising events, our community is the heartbeat of VOKRA.

How You Can Be Part of the Story

Inspired by the interview? There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference:

  • Volunteer: We’re always looking for passionate people to join our teams, whether it’s fostering, trapping, or supporting operations.

  • Donate: As Karen and Maria mentioned in the interview, we receive minimal government funding. Your donations are what keep us going.

  • Adopt: Give one of our cats or kittens a loving forever home.

  • Foster: We’re always accepting applications for foster homes. VOKRA provides all the supplies, medical care, and support, while you provide love and care for cats in need. Each year, we place over 1,400 cats and kittens in temporary homes—foster families are vital to our mission year-round.

We currently have over 400 cats and kittens in our care, many of whom rely on foster homes to stay safe and healthy. Each one has their own story, but they all share the same need for love, care, and a second chance at life.

Check out the Vancouver Guardian’s article here and learn more about the work we do. Your support—whether as a volunteer, donor, or adopter—makes all the difference.

Together, we can continue to write new chapters in VOKRA’s story and help cats across Vancouver find their happy endings.

Penny Xu