His love for animals motivates him
Unlike most youngsters who take a gap year after high school or study, Northmead resident Ayden van Huyssteen volunteers full time at the Benoni SPCA.
BCT: You lived in Germiston, why did you move to Benoni?
AvH: I moved to Benoni five years ago, because I started schooling at Belvedere School.
BCT: Since your move, what has made Benoni special to you?
AvH: The people definitely make Benoni what it is.
They are friendly and it is a close-knit community so, wherever I go, I bump into people I know.
BCT: You are 18 years old, but became involved with the SPCA in October, 2014, while you were still in school, why?
AvH: I love animals, so, when I was in school, I used to volunteer at the Benoni SPCA on weekends and I just enjoyed spending time with the animals. They bring so much joy to me, especially rescuing stray ones.
This year I decided to volunteer full time, because I finished school, so I work from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and I love the Benoni SPCA, they are like my family.
Apart from my compassion for the animals, working for the society keeps me busy and out of trouble.
BCT: What are your general duties?
AvH: I clean kennels, walk dogs, assist with the collection of animals, feed animals and assist with outreach work in the underprivileged areas.
BCT: You are clearly passionate about animals, how old were you when you got your first pet?
AvH: I was three years old and I got a pitbull.
BCT: So we now know about your love for animals, tell us about yourself?
AvH: I am the youngest of three; I have an older sister and brother.
I’m hoping to study at a later stage. I would like to study to become an SPCA field officer or a veterinarian.
BCT: When you are not volunteering at the SPCA, what do you do?
AvH: I like to play soccer with my friends, and I have a great social life with my friends.
I also love swimming, playing motocross games and spending time with my pets at home.
BCT: Do you have any future plans apart from studying further one day?
AvH: I would like to travel to visit various SPCAs.
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