Message from the general manager

Posted on 2024-08-16 12:49:38

Unbelievably, this December marks ten years since I took over as General Manager of this wonderful organisation.

Despite having solid institutional knowledge, gained from 12 years as Marketing & Fundraising Manager prior to my appointment, it wasn’t easy. Guiding operations, finances, human resources, marketing and fundraising was hugely challenging. At the core of everything I did was my passion for animals. But I was also determined to run the organisation along business lines to ensure its long term sustainability.

Teamwork
Support from our awesome team of staff, Management Committee and Trustees made a huge difference. But I was (and am) a woman on a mission, with many ideas for changes and improvements.

In this role, one is only as good as one’s team. Staff welfare is crucial. If people feel valued, and morale is high, it translates into how they carry out their work. Gentle and compassionate, our staff are a special "breed" and their passion for what they do is an inspiration to me.

Highlights of the past ten years? I was deeply moved by the public's support during covid, riots and floods. It was a traumatic few years for everyone, and I was brought to tears (of relief and joy) by our donors' unfailing support through the toughest of times, ensuring that our SPCA is always a safehaven for abused and lost animals.

Privilege to honour bequestors
It is also very emotional when fellow animal lovers leave us a gift in their Will. While we mourn the passing of friends, their generosity helps sustain our SPCA into the future. It is a privilege to honour their memory in the work we carry out with thousands of animals every year. It is because of them that our SPCA has been thriving for 127 years! Every single day I celebrate the knowledge that we really do make a difference. What more could anyone ask for, than to have such a special purpose in life?

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey, I am so grateful that you are a friend to our SPCA.