At Pets of the Homeless (POTH), we love being able to share our success stories with our wide network of supporters and a big part of how we do that is by creating engaging content that we share through our website and social media channels.
Animal lover Katrina Gilroy is our talented Graphic Designer who kindly volunteers who design skills to POTH in a variety of different ways. Not only does Katrina provide us with high-quality social media graphics and marketing material, but she also offers her time to create beautiful digital pet illustrations for our fundraising auctions – which are always a huge hit with our followers!
Based in Brisbane, Katrina works full-time in HR while running her graphic design business, Treeny Designs. Despite her busy schedule, Katrina makes time to support POTH because she believes in the importance of keeping best friends together and providing support to those in the community who need it most.
Katrina discusses her experience of volunteering with POTH and what the organisation means to her.
When and why did you first decide to become a volunteer with POTH?
I first joined POTH back in October 2016. When I heard about the work they were doing to help people facing homelessness and their pets to remain together it was something I really connected with and I decided to get involved and offer my time because it was such great cause to be a part of.
What role do you play in helping POTH achieve positive outcomes?
As part of my role as a volunteer with POTH, I provide a range of design services to assist with various requirements. This can be anything from creating posts to use on their Facebook and Instagram pages through to printed marketing material.
Another more niche skill of mine is digital illustration, which is something I really enjoy doing. I have recently begun offering custom illustrations up for auction, where winners can send through a photo of their pet that I can then work from and create something personalised and special. These have been really popular so far and have been another great way that POTH can raise some much-needed funds to continue their important work.
What do you like most about volunteering with POTH?
The best thing about volunteering with POTH is the opportunity to use my passion and skills for design to help such a brilliant cause. I love that even though I am based in Brisbane while the organisation operates in Melbourne I can still be an active member and contribute in my own way.
What have you learned from volunteering with POTH?
In my time volunteering at POTH so far I have learned that there is so much hard work that goes into the running of a not for profit organisation. Prior to joining POTH, I didn’t have much experience in working with not for profits so it’s been really eye-opening in terms of what’s involved.
Working with POTH Founder Yvonne has been brilliant as she is so passionate about the cause and works so hard to keep everything running smoothly so that we can continue to achieve great things for people and their pets.
What advice would you give to others considering volunteering with POTH?
To anyone who has been thinking about volunteering with POTH, my advice would be to definitely go for it! The fantastic thing about this charity is that you are helping so many in need – not just pets, but also people as well.
Written by Kellie George
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