WHILE she is not directly involved with the safeguarding of an animal’s welfare, Drienie Englund’s role as financial manager at the Kloof and Highway SPCA is equally as important and necessary. The 41-year-old started her journey with the non-profit organisation late last year and said she wouldn’t trade it for any other career.
How long have you been at the Kloof SPCA?
I joined this amazing team on 25 November 2019. Unfortunately, the first time I stepped foot on the property was when I came for my first interview. I recall driving down the long drive way thinking ‘Wow, why have I not been here before?’ The property is amazing and you feel removed from the craziness of town.
What was the reason you chose to apply for the job at the Kloof SPCA?
The day I received my retrenchment notice, a friend forwarded me the advert for the position. I immediately applied as I’ve always had a special place in my heart for animals. After my interview with the management team, I phoned my husband and said ‘I want to work here!’. I’m very blessed to part of this amazing team.
What is it about your job that motivates you to carry on doing the work you do each day?
Knowing that I make a difference in an animal’s life. Even though I don’t work directly with the animals in our care, I know that I’m part of a passionate team who takes animal welfare seriously.
ALSO READ: Rivona rallies behind Kloof SPCA’s cause
If there was one other career choice you would go after, what would it be?
Not so much a career choice, but I’d love to open a doggy day care/doggy hotel which will include grooming, socialising and training. Just spreading the love.
Once the lockdown is over, what is the first item on your to-do list?
Definitely visit my folks in the Eastern Cape!
How heavily does the Kloof and Highway SPCA rely on donations?
One thing I never knew before I came for my first interview is that the SPCA do not receive any government funding, making them totally reliant on their own fund-raising endeavours and the support of the public. We buy our supplies, medical and other items, like any other company/vet would do. We are completely reliant on the generosity of our community and I must say we have an amazing community. With the start of lockdown, at the end of March, we had to close all of our charity and thrift shops. This was devastating to us and our cashflow forecast predicted a balance of R5.58 on 6 May. However, with hard work and the support of our community, we are making sure that we remain open in order to continue our fight against animal cruelty.
How many animals do you have and what are they?
I have two dogs, a Great Dane cross Boerboel named Loula and a Doberman named Merlot.
What TV series do you wish you could forget so you could enjoy it all over again?
Sherlock, the British version. It is suspenseful, witty and I love the detective work. Really entertaining.
What do your five-year plans include?
To see all of our goals at the Kloof and Highway SPCA reached, such as our new clinic premises, which were placed on hold due to the lockdown.
ALSO READ: Kloof SPCA’s Sue shares her love for all animals
How would you encourage people to support the Kloof and Highway SPCA if they are unable to make monetary donations?
They can donate their unwanted items that are still in good condition. They can even fund-raise on their own. We had a schoolboy who, during lockdown, sold coffee/tea and cupcakes from his verge and he donated a couple of thousand Rands to us. They can also join the MySchool programme and nominate us as their chosen charity. By spending money at any of the MySchool partners (Woolworths, Engen, Builders, Waltons), you are contributing to our Kloof and Highway SPCA.
Describe your typical day in the office at the Kloof SPCA:
There is no typical day. The only constant is that I start off with a cup of coffee, check the bank accounts and emails. Thereafter, I focus on reporting, number crunching and whatever passes my desk. My to-do list is never empty.
When you are not at work, what are your hobbies?
I have a very busy two-year-old boy and having him is a full-time hobby. I used to cycle and would love to get back into the sport. Sadly, time doesn?t allow for it at this moment but I will start again.
If you could change one thing about the human race, what would it be?
For more people to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Be kind, be humble and have respect for animals, nature and humans.
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