A passion for animals has garnered top honours for a Vernon resident.
The B.C. SPCA recently named Linda Munk as volunteer of the year.
“There are so many amazing volunteers throughout the province and I honestly feel that each and every one of them deserves an award,” she said.
Munk started volunteering at the Vernon shelter as a driver, taking animals to and from vet visits, so staff could stay at the shelter to work with the other animals.
“Always friendly and smiling, she often gets much-needed shelter supplies and does other errands, like monitoring and collecting various coin donation boxes around town, doing bank runs and often picking up a coffee or two for staff,” states a release.
“In addition, Linda also drives animals to and from Salmon Arm or Kelowna to transfer animals between the branches, an invaluable service, as Vernon has an extremely small number of staff. She has been so enthusiastic about helping out that she was trained in office work, and can help with many of the administrative duties.”
A member of the branch’s fundraising committee, Munk is part of the Paws for a Cause registration team and helps with other events.
“Her enthusiasm also makes her a great one-woman welcome committee, ready with a big smile and a friendly hello to everyone who comes through the door,” states the release.
Animals have been a big part of Munk’s life since she was a children when she used to bring home strays.
“After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012 and having to go on disability from my full-time job, I thought that by volunteering, not only could I help animals, but that perhaps, they could also help me, and that they did,” she said.
“I can honestly say that volunteering for the SPCA helped me to not only fulfill a lifelong desire to help animals, but also helped me to re-engage in and find a purpose in life. I am so grateful to have the SPCA in my life. I truly do get much more than I give.”