While we keep pretty busy around the office, many of Peter Mayer’s employees are dedicated to admirable pursuits outside of work, too. We took a minute to catch up with Ellen Kempner, Vice President, Management Supervisor, who is well known for the time she spends volunteering.
We hear you’re kind of a champion volunteer. Where do you give most of your time?
I love the idea of being considered a champion volunteer. Where I give most of my time has changed over the years; however, my main passion in the recent past has been related to the LA/SPCA.
How long have you been volunteering? How much time do you put in monthly?
I have been volunteering nearly all my life and spend roughly 20 hours per month on volunteer activity.
Wow, that’s quite a commitment. What drew you to volunteering in the first place?
I learned from my parents at an early age the importance of “giving back.” As a result, volunteering has become a critically important part of my life.
What has been your craziest volunteering experience? How about the most rewarding?
Crazy experiences come easily when working with animals. Recently I was chairing a Board meeting and had put my favorite leather handbag on the floor next to me. We love to have dogs and cats in the room during the meeting, and that day we had an adorable dog that was up for adoption with us throughout the meeting. When the meeting was over and I was gathering my things, I noticed that my handbag was dripping wet. Little did I realize that the dog had peed all over my purse!
It’s impossible to isolate my most rewarding experience with the LA/SPCA. Every time I see a dog or cat leave the shelter to go to their “forever home” I am filled with joy, and for me there is no better reward.
What are some of the successes the LA/SPCA has seen since you’ve been volunteering there?
The shelter was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina; however, we were fortunate to be able to rebuild an outstanding facility just over the Crescent City Connection on the Westbank. Since then we have added a Community Clinic that performed more than 8,000 spay/neuter procedures last year alone. Our volunteer base has grown to more than 1,000 dedicated people whose passion and dedication are demonstrated every day. Roughly 8,000 animals pass through our doors every year and we were able to find 1,500 of them forever homes last year. Through its leadership role in advocating for all aspects of animal welfare, the LA/SPCA is recognized as the go-to source for animal-related solutions and information throughout the state of Louisiana.
What are some of the challenges the organization still faces?
Animal overpopulation continues to be a significant challenge in our community. The only long-term solution is an aggressive commitment to spay/neuter programs. The success of community-wide spay/neuter initiatives is a function of education and responsible pet ownership. Unfortunately, not every pet owner lives up to his or her responsibilities. Overpopulation means a greater need for adoptions to help ensure the quality of life every dog and cat deserves. The LA/SPCA works tirelessly to develop and implement creative solutions to these challenges. If we could stop the cycle of overpopulation we could get closer to the balance of finding a forever home for every animal in our care. That would be a dream come true!
And if other people want to volunteer, how can they get involved?
The LA/SPCA is always looking for additional support through both volunteer opportunities and donations. To volunteer, they should reach out to LA/SPCA’s Volunteer Coordinator, Dionne, at dionne@la-spca.org. To make a donation, and for additional information, please check out the website, la-spca.org.