Volunteers welcome and appreciated
Phil Duffy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 23/01) - Our canine and feline friends are constantly in need of the shelters, homes, and care provided by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
So, it's not surprising the SPCA is constantly in need of people willing to volunteer their time to help our four-legged companions. Animal lovers wishing to volunteer at the SPCA will be able to find all the necessary information and options May 29, at 8 p.m. at the Yellowknife Inn.
"People are always calling wanting to volunteer, but they rarely know in what capacity, or the choices they have," said NWT SPCA board member Janet Pacey.
In order to inform the public the SPCA has formed a series of chaired committees and organized this meet and greet evening.
"Our president, Mr. Lynn Trudeau will give a presentation on these committees. This way the public will have a better understanding of how they can help," added Pacey.
"Some people really want to be hands-on with the animals, while others prefer to volunteer their time to help in other capacities," she said.
The SPCA is staffed entirely by volunteers, from the board members to the kennel cleaners. There are six volunteers on the board and about 10 people who help out in other ways including cleaning the facilities, exercising and feeding the animals, as well as promotional and clerical duties.
"The thing I like best about volunteering at the SPCA is the satisfaction and instant gratification I get when I see an animal adopted into a good home," said Robin Weber, a four-year volunteer with the organization.
Weber has older pets of her own but still offers her house as a foster home to animals in emergency situations.
"Sometimes we get a little overwhelmed with our work at the SPCA, so any new volunteers we gather as a result of our meet and greet night will be greatly appreciated," added Weber.
"The meeting and presentation is not only to inform volunteers as to their options, but to inform the general public what the SPCA does," said Trudeau.
The Great Slave Animal Hospital's shelter is open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. every night. Anyone is welcome to come and look for a potential pet during these hours. There is even a payment plan for those who want to rescue an animal but are a little short on cash.
