Volunteer of the Month - May 2021

As a volunteer-driven non-profit, VOKRA wouldn’t exist without our volunteers. Currently we have more than 400 volunteers working hard to ensure the kitties in our care get everything they need and are adopted to loving homes. But how do we find all these volunteers? That’s where our volunteer recruitment team comes in. This month we’re celebrating one of our volunteers who helps us find volunteers – Meena Puhl. 

Here Meena tells us in her own words why she volunteers with VOKRA:

I’ve been volunteering as a volunteer recruitment coordinator with VOKRA since July 2018. I’ve always loved cats, but due to various circumstances I’ve never had the opportunity to have one of my own. When I found out about VOKRA, I decided I could get involved in other ways aside from fostering/adopting, whether it’s working directly with the cats or helping them get fostered/adopted. Due to my past experience in administration, and specifically in recruitment, I thought this was a great way that I could contribute and help the kitties!

I love that I get to reach out to individuals equally passionate about helping animals and assist them in discovering the best way they can help. It’s wonderful getting to speak to people from so many different backgrounds, but who all share a love for cats. Even though I don’t get to work directly with the cats at VORKA, I feel my position better allows me to aid the kitties by connecting individuals to the right volunteer position.  

Meena’s laid back feline “cousins”

As I work remotely, I don’t often visit our Operations Centre. However, I remember on one of the occasions I was there, VOKRA co-founder Maria had gotten a call about a litter of kittens coming in and I was able to observe many of the different teams working together – there were volunteers from trapping, driving, cat care and medical all trying to get the kitties the help they needed. As a recruitment coordinator, this event stuck out in my mind because it made me realize just how vital each team is, and also how much work goes into getting each of our cats ready for fostering and adoption!

Here’s what Michelle Avina, the team lead for volunteer recruitment, has to say about Meena:

Meena joined the recruitment team just after I stepped into the team lead role, so I like to think that we learned together. 

Since then, she’s reached out to more than 300 potential volunteers and sent dedicated volunteers to nearly all of our teams. As the first point of contact for volunteers, Meena works hard to balance our recruitment needs with each person's interests and availability. Thanks to her efforts and dedication, VOKRA has an additional 96 volunteers contributing countless volunteer hours.

For the past six months, Meena’s been helping me as an assistant team lead. Having someone I can rely on to help me manage the team allows me to step back and recharge when I need to. Her positive and encouraging attitude makes her a valuable member of our team, something I’m extra grateful for during these trying times. 

THANK YOU Meena for all your hard work! The time and effort you put into screening potential volunteers and matching them up with our various teams is truly appreciated.

As a volunteer-driven non-profit, we clearly couldn’t do what we do without our extremely dedicated and hardworking team of volunteers. Thank you to each and every one of you!

VOKRA’s always in need of volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering click here.