Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) volunteer and Mill Park local Kylie Van Grondelle, tells Millicent Spencer about her unique role as a volunteer at the shelter.
What suburb do you live in, and what do you like most about it?
I have lived in Mill Park for the past 18 years. In that time there has been so much change that I don’t feel it’s considered an outer suburb any longer. Everything is close by, schools, shopping, medical, and recreation. I also work five minutes from home which is never a bad thing!
What is your connection to Melbourne’s north-west?
My partner grew up in this area and after moving from Geelong, I was attending university in Melbourne, so it just made sense to buy a home here. We also have family and friends close by which is very important to us.
Tell us a bit more about what you do at SCAR?
I have been a volunteer with Second Chance Animal Rescue for almost five years and a foster carer for the past 12 months. Prior to Covid, I worked a regular shift at the shelter which involved cleaning kennels and cat rooms, doing laundry plus playing/walking with the resident cats and dogs. During Covid I began full time work again, so unfortunately I had to stop my regular weekday shifts but was able to go in each Saturday to assist with the newest initiative, the Pet Pantry. This was a great free pet food program that allowed struggling residents of the North-West the opportunity to provide for their fur babies during those financially insecure few years.
Since Pet Pantry wrapped up, I now volunteer at a few fundraising events throughout the year and a year ago joined the foster care program. We have two cats and a dog of our own, but I wanted to bring the experience home to my kids so that they could see the benefits of helping stray, abandoned or surrendered animals. Currently we have a Queen who recently gave birth to six beautiful kittens, and it has been amazing an amazing thing to witness.
What do you like the most about volunteering at the SCAR?
The Happy Home Tales! As well as my own personal fostering experiences, the SCAR team are all well connected on social media and the feeling of watching a sad, hurt or sick animal go ahead in leaps and bounds before going to their loving forever home is second to none! I also love the team at the shelter – everyone is approachable, from the vollies to reception, vet staff, and the CEO. It’s a great little community.
What do you get out of volunteering that you might not get in a job?
It’s the satisfaction of knowing there are like-minded people out there who are all striving to make a difference to the lives of animals regardless of getting paid or not; plus all the cuddles and pats you can dish out!
When you’re not volunteering what do you do?
I’m an avid reader (mostly fiction but don’t mind the occasional biography) and love hot yoga. I’m also currently study to become a certified Canine Remedial Massage Therapist.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
It’s hard to pick just one as there are quite a few lovely cafes around this area however if I can find a good coffee, I will go back!
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m an open book and wear my heart on my sleeve! If there’s something people don’t know about me, it’s because they never asked!
To volunteer at SCAR visit: secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au/how-you-can-help/volunteer/
