Lina commenced volunteering for Lort Smith in 2014. She has volunteered in various areas of the organisation including kennels, administration and pet therapy, alongside her now retired Staffy Bella.

Prior to retirement in 2016, Lina was employed in HR and finance.

“I became a volunteer because I wanted to do something meaningful with my spare time. I wanted to get involved in my local community and believed that I had experience, skills and knowledge that could be of use,” says Lina.

Lina chose to volunteer at Lort Smith because she wanted to contribute to a cause she deeply cared about – the organisation’s values align with her own.

“The volunteer engagement team provides invaluable support to all volunteers, both new and old. Volunteers are given many opportunities to gain knowledge and new skills by attending both refresher and new training sessions, and by working alongside very dedicated and caring staff members,” explains Lina.

Lina enjoys volunteering at Lort Smith because she is surrounded by people with a common interest – a love for animals. She gets great satisfaction from providing love, affection and ‘walkies’ to shelter dogs and watching them grow and blossom while in our care.

“What I love the most though, is the fact that every animal that passes through the Adoption Centre is given the absolute best chance at finding a loving, forever home no matter what. To be a part of that is both exciting and rewarding,” says Lina.

Lina volunteers a few hours each week and states that she has learnt many new skills. Lina has met lots of new and different people, forming some lovely friendships. She has been challenged but always has fun and volunteering makes her feel good.

“Everyone should consider volunteering. Trust me – it’s amazing!

“As a volunteer at Lort Smith I am made to feel very valued for what I do. At the end of each shift I am thanked for my help – I haven’t felt or experienced this before and hearing it not only gives me a great sense of achievement, it also makes me feel like I have actually made a difference,” shares Lina.

How lucky we are to have Lina and 380 volunteers just like her donating their time to Lort Smith every single day. A truly remarkable woman and we are so grateful to have you on our team Lina.