Mike in the running for SPCA award
New Plymouth’s Michael Shorter says a decision he made five years ago to become a volunteer was one of the best he’s ever made.
He is not the only one who thinks so. Shorter recently made the shortlist as one of seven finalists in the SPCA Purina Volunteer of the Year Awards.
It was after 18 years of being on ACC that Shorter stepped outside his comfort zone to volunteer at the North Taranaki SPCA. It was a move he took because of his soft spot for animals.
Now, he’s known as the ‘‘go to guy’’ and feels right at home in the animal welfare volunteer mix and said it felt strange to be in the running to receive an award for doing what he loves.
It came as no surprise to North Taranaki SPCA area manager Sondra Burroughs that Shorter was on that shortlist of national finalists for the award.
Burroughs said in addition to being resident handyman, Shorter always puts his hand up to help out at fundraising events and show new volunteers the ropes.
‘‘I don’t know where we would be without Michael, he gives so
‘‘I don't know where we would be without Michael, he gives so much time to the centre and for that we are so grateful.’’
Sondra Burroughs
much time to the centre and for that we are so grateful,’’ she said.
Shorter’s no stranger to mucking in. Burroughs recounted how one time he went as far as taking his own 4WD vehicle to rescue the SPCA’s inspector vehicle that was stuck - a three hour round trip.
The Awards are supported by Nestle´ Purina PetCare, a principal partner of SPCA.
SPCA New Zealand CEO (Acting), Andrea Midgen, said the awards aimed to recognise the fantastic efforts of their volunteers nationwide.
‘‘Without volunteer support, the SPCA simply could not function,’’ she said.
The winner will win a one year supply of Purina and a$1,000 Prezzy Card.