Meg stands up for neglected animals

Our pets bring us so much joy, but we need heroes like Meg Wilson to stand up and look after those animals who are neglected.

It’s this community spirit that has seen Meg Wilson, who runs the Paws Pet Animal Welfare Shops in Putāruru, nominated for the Prospa Local Business Hero as our Waikato finalist.

Most people can think of a business in their neighbourhood where a friendly, helpful person behind the counter goes out of their way to make them smile.

In association with Prospa, Neighbourly is again giving New Zealanders the chance to recognise these unsung heroes who make such an impact in our communities.

The community members who nominated Wilson said: ‘‘Meg Wilson is the amazing lady who formed the Paws Pet Animal Welfare organisation and is run totally by volunteers. There are three stores in Putāruru, each one has their own special features and range of stock sold.

‘‘Everything is kindly donated by our community and the money then goes back into helping pay for the de-sexing people’s furbabies. Another area is rescuing abandoned/badly treated cat’s and dogs who quite often come with kittens/puppies, illnesses and/injuries. Meg loves every one of these animals and will do her very best.’’

The head of Neighbourly, Sarah Moore, said the business hero award helps draw communities together.

‘‘Many of the people who do the most impactful work do it because they’re genuinely good people, not because they want acknowledgement,’’ she said.

‘‘Prospa Local Business Hero is a way to thank these people for their mahi and recognise how important they are to their communities.’’

❚ To vote for the national winner, go to neighbourly.co.nz/businesshero23.