We at Humane Society London & Middlesex feel incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing, caring and dedicated team of volunteers. We sincerely thank and recognize them as we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week: April 19th-25th!
“Volunteers offer us one of their most valuable assets: their time,” says Kirsten Vinson, HSLM Events & Volunteer Coordinator. “The amount of support we receive from them is a vital element to our success year after year. We are immensely grateful for their dedication to our organization.”
If you have visited the shelter or attended any of our community events, you may have met one of the 151 HSLM volunteers. Combined, these incredible individuals logged 4,300 volunteer hours throughout 2019.
In-shelter volunteers work diligently in socializing cats and small animals, walking dogs and keeping the facility in good condition through cleaning, maintenance and gardening.
“I started volunteering for the HSLM back in November 2017,” says Jackie Johnson, HSLM Volunteer. “Since then, I’ve dedicated my Thursday mornings to socializing with the cats. It’s the highlight of my week and always a much-needed break from my busy work schedule! As a cat socializer, I play with the cats who are available for adoption and ready to find their forever homes. Essentially, the best job ever! A few months ago, I extended my hours to socialize with the animals who are unwell and need extra attention and love. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with HSLM. My favourite memory at the HSLM was spending time with Lola, a tiny puppy who needed extra TLC.”
Other volunteers choose to be out in the community promoting the work of HSLM through adoption events, fundraising events such as: Bark in the Park Festival, HSLM Cookies & Cupcakes, Bark & Splash, Pet Gifts and other community engagement opportunities, including: parades and dog park pop-up events.
HSLM Volunteer, Bob Grand, says “this is my 22nd year as a volunteer at the HSLM. I am a Cat Socializer but have also been involved for several years at the Bark in the Park Festival and the Holiday Pet Gift booth. I have recently started helping with gardening at the shelter. Everyone at the shelter is very positive and friendly so makes volunteering a real pleasure.”
If you are interested in joining the HSLM team as a volunteer, visit: www.hslm.ca/help-us/volunteer/