Lesley began volunteering with Lort Smith in 2016, after moving down from Brisbane. Having volunteered with animal welfare organisations in Queensland, Lesley wanted to continue working with animals. We’re very grateful that she chose to do so with Lort Smith!

Lesley volunteers in the ‘engine room of Lort Smith’ – also known as our laundry! This role involves collecting, sorting and washing towels, blankets, surgical drapes and animal beds. Once laundered, Lesley delivers fresh supplies throughout the hospital and adoption centre. Additionally, Lesley collects and sorts any in-kind donations that may have arrived that day.

“It’s a bit of a production line! I often pair up with another volunteer and once you get into the work and have a chat, the time just flies past,” says Lesley.

Like many of our volunteers, Lesley finds volunteering with Lort Smith so special because of the connections and friendships she’s made along the way.

“Lort Smith really gave me somewhere to go when I moved from Brisbane. It was a great way to meet likeminded people – staff and volunteers alike,” Lesley explains.

“And then of course, there are the animals – knowing your work makes a difference to them is really fulfilling.”

Lort Smith treats more than 25,000 animals every year, and we’re only able to do so because of volunteers like Lesley who donate their time to give back to the community.

The diversity of volunteering roles at Lort Smith has always appealed to Lesley, starting off in the laundry and eventually branching out into the cattery, and now into foster caring.

Lesley has a rescue Maltese and three cats of her own, two of which were adopted from Lort Smith.

“One of my cats is blind – she was a foster I took on and just fell in love with. It’s amazing how they adapt! She lives a very full life and navigates around the house without any issues at all.”

Outside of volunteering, Lesley enjoys long-distance running, having recently made the switch from road to trail running. She loves yoga and spending time with her two sons.

Lesley is just one of our brilliant volunteers who we are so lucky to celebrate this National Volunteer Week!