How long have you been volunteering at the Haven?

I’ve been volunteering at Ingrid’s for 14 years and am also the proud “mother” of three ex-Havenites.  

How did you get involved with the Haven?

After the death of my elderly cat, Buffy, I wanted to find a shelter to support with a monthly donation.  One that was no-kill and looked after all cats regardless of age, personality or health.  My cat, Buffy, had come to me as a stray and was probably around 10 years old when I found her and I wanted to support other cats, like her,  who through no fault of their own, found themselves homeless.  I “Googled” No-Kill Cat Shelter and Ingrid’s Haven was the first on the list.....I read the info on the website and was immediately impressed by what appeared to be one woman taking on the massive task of saving the cats from her local pound from certain death.  I had to meet this woman!

In what capacity do you volunteer?

I initially started out as a sponsor and shortly after visiting in early Jan 2008 I became a regular Saturday vollie, coming up fortnightly to lend a hand with the cleaning.  Since moving to Geelong I have not been able to get up to the Haven regularly to clean so instead I have branched out into a more behind the scenes role.  Coming from an administrative background I’ve used those skills to assist Ingrid with creating information packs for her to hand out to adoptive parents to give them some guidance on their new cat.  I organise and run the Ingrid’s Haven stall at Pet Expos, annually at the Cat Lovers Show and a monthly stall at Kensington Market.  I am one of the sewing vollies who spends their spare time creating, sewing, knitting and crocheting items to sell at the Markets and Expos. 

Why do you like to volunteer at the Haven - what do you get out of it?

My volunteer work fulfils that need to do something selflessly rather than being caught up in a world that seems so self-obsessed.  Also, Ingrid and the other volunteers are a wonderful bunch of people who I really enjoy working with.  It really is a great team of like-minded individuals.