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Mrs Joyce Graham won the Individual Volunteering Award – Long Service in the Antrim Community Excellence Awards April 12, 2011

Posted by Jonathan Mitchell in : Good News , trackback

In 1996 an independent, registered charity was set up to allow for animal re-homing, welfare and education when the USPCA closed; this charity became known as the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.  Throughout this time a total of 9549 dogs and cats have been re-homed and an unquantifiable number have been rescued from cruelty and distress.

Joyce was one member of a small group of individuals who became involved in this initiative at the beginning and she has been remained heavily involved ever since.  She was instrumental in putting in place processes and procedures which have allowed the charity to flourish while also meeting the needs of statutory and external agencies.

Since starting in 1996 Joyce has acted as the Honorary Treasurer which has a considerable remit.  Externally this includes dealing with the auditors, solicitors, bank officials, HMRC payments, pay roll giving and various online fundraising activities.  Internally her role includes membership payments, applications for grants, budget control, cash transactions, preparing the accounts for audit, accounts specific to the charity shop and advising the management committee and trustees.  Joyce also maintains the membership register for the sanctuary and is instrumental in organising a huge number of the fundraising activities that take place on an annual basis. This work means that she visits the sanctuary on a daily basis and has turned the dining room of her house into a mini office in order to facilitate the requirements of her role. The sanctuary has annual operating costs of £250,000 which goes some way to put into perspective the work that Joyce undertakes within the sanctuary.

On a personal level Joyce is resourceful, adaptable and does not let anything get in her way in order to get job done.  She is totally committed to the work of the sanctuary and has dedicated her time for the welfare of the animals throughout the Antrim Borough and beyond.  Without her involvement it is not believed that the sanctuary would be in the position it is today; in fact when the sanctuary is mentioned Joyce is the first person that normally comes to mind.

In addition to her voluntary work with the sanctuary and home commitments Joyce is also involved with other community and church related activities including the choir which she attends twice weekly.

The Management Team and staff at the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary believe she is richly rewarding of the recognition that this award would afford.

By Janet Hume

 

Comments»

1. Irvine - April 12, 2011

What tremendous work from a very dedicated person. I take my hat off to you Joyce.

2. animal connexions - April 13, 2011

congratulations Joyce on a well deserved reward xx