Get to know Boksburg SPCA’s chairperson

The Boksburg SPCA is always on the ground assisting animals in need. The Advertiser caught up with the chairperson of the organisation.

Victor Hall, a Boksburg resident, was born and bred in Germiston and spent his high school days at a boarding school in Polokwane.

Q: You come from a family that always had a soft spot for animals. Is this why you are so passionate about four-legged friends?
A: My parents always had soft spot for animals. They were forever bringing home lost dogs and made them part of the family

Q: When, why and how did you become involved with the Boksburg SPCA? How did your career evolve?
A: I retired in March 2020, the same time as the country went into lockdown. Then came across the AGM announcement and decided to join the Boksburg SPCA as a member. In July 2022 I was nominated and humbly accepted the role of chairperson.

Q: How does it feel being the chairperson of such an important organisation?
A: I am really humbled and grateful for getting a chance to fulfil this role.

Q:What are your goals as chairperson?
A: The committee under the previous chairperson had made various improvements around the pound, created more exposure and implemented more outreach programmes, this during tough economic times and partly during a global pandemic and lockdown regulations. I come from a general management, maintenance engineering and training background and therefore I hope that I can use this to make a difference in the operations and management of our branch

Q:Do you have plans that you want to implement at the Boksburg SPCA?
A: I want to continue with the maintenance projects and try and get more education initiatives implemented.

Q: What is your biggest challenge and how do you overcome it.
A: The biggest challenge for us, and probably for all NPO’s, is the sourcing of resources in terms of people and funds. We have had some successful fundraising events, and this is something that will need to continue. We have drafted a fundraising 2023 plan and will share these events with the community in the new year. People wise, we would like to see some additional volunteers to assist with weekly outreach program, fundraising, markets or to assist with maintenance work.

Q:How can the community become involved with the Boksburg SPCA and what are the society’s needs?
A: Support our fundraising events and Facebook appeals:
• One of our appeals is for continuous monthly financial support and kennel sponsorship.
• Business involvement with providing sponsorship of materials and goods needed for maintenance work or servicing our vehicles.
• Support our outreach projects by sponsoring our sterilisation drive and first line veterinary care appeals.
• Visit us to see for themselves what we do in our fight against cruelty to animals.
• Adopt a pet rather than buy a pet.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: Many thanks for this opportunity. The SPCA consists of great staff and a great committee committed to the fight against cruelty for those who do not have a voice. The public can help by promoting the caring and respect of animals where they can. Also, report cruelty whenever they see/hear about this happening.

Also Read: Why sponsoring a sterilisation will help the SPCA

Also Read: Second call for SPCA welfare assistants