Mary originally began volunteering as a Receptionist, helped with animal transport, data entry, coin rolling and also volunteered weekends at Treasure Tails. Currently she performs the invaluable role of tracking volunteer hours at the shelter, at Treasure Tails and for those volunteering from home.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH THE GTHS?
I began volunteering in November 2014.
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
Whilst teaching and lecturing in Austria we welcomed unwanted pets into our home: a German Sheppard, an aquarium, 3 Love Birds, 3 Guinea Pigs and 2 cats.
I would often include a lesson about volunteerism as a concept for my students because volunteerism doesn’t exist there. Once back in Canada I was eager to volunteer within a caring organization who finds loving homes for animals. It is my love of animals that has resulted in my commitment to GTHS.
WHAT PETS DO YOU SHARE YOUR LIFE WITH?
Since I currently live in a home with 3 cats I am unable to have an animal of my own, but I make up for it as a pet sitter. I live with pets in their owners’ homes approximately seven months of the year.
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
If only I could sing! For 3 years my Kindergarten report cards noted that I sang out of tune. In grade eight I was excluded from the mass choir and was devastated not to participate at the Kiwanis Music Festival. I subsequently took up piano and violin, but even now if I sing at home I’m asked to stop, because I still can’t sing in tune!
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE BEST DAY EVER?
The best day ever must be when you give birth to your baby, who you love unconditionally. Only better is when you see the child you have nurtured and taught become a responsible, caring and loving adult. It has been a great reward to see both of my children happy and successful as adults.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOBBY?
I love to read, watch WNED Masterpiece and perform as an actor in Collingwood Theatre plays.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PHOBIAS OR FEARS?
Not really… I have moved 32 times, soon to be 33 times – so I guess my fear is that I’ll have to move again and I’m just not up to another move, unless it’s in a hearse!!
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CELEBRITY, Who WOULD IT BE?
I would like to have dinner with Kenneth Branagh, as he is a convincing, award-winning actor in both the Shakespeare plays he has performed in as well as the Wallander series, which is based on one my favourite authors, Henning Mankell.
Thank you Mary, for all you do for the GTHS!
To volunteer at the GTHS, like Mary, click here for details:
October is ‘Adopt A Shelter Dog Month’ at the GTHS. Check out our website to see all the PAWsome dogs (and PURRfect cats) who are looking for loving homes: https://www.gths.ca/animals-for-adoption/
