Creative for a Cause

Minella started volunteering in January 2020 at the Cat Centre and August 2020 at the North Hobart Op Shop.

“It sounds selfish, but it makes me feel good!” Minella says, “When I interact with cats, it makes me feel good. When I learn new things, I feel good. I am not a chatty person, and when I have a good conversation with a co-volunteer, staff, or patrons, it makes me feel good. When I know I contributed, I feel good.”

“Life is already complicated and sometimes too much to handle. So, why not find ways to lessen the burden and find ways to make you feel good and keep you going.”

Professionally, Minella is a freelance graphic designer. At the shelter Minella helps produce social media content and printed marketing materials. “I update their kennel cards, photos in ShelterBuddy, and sometimes help the cat flyers, passport and layouts for the Scratching Post.”

While at the Op Shop the role is somewhat different. “The first thing to do is some housekeeping and restocking shelves. If there is a cat, I feed, change the litter box, and clean the indoor enclosure. Then it’s time to get into business and stay at the retail counter, process sales transactions, and have little chats with customers. If the shop is not busy and I have another colleague, I try to do some treasure hunting and post them on Instagram.”

Minella said when it comes to the people, you could feel a sense of community.

“Everybody is ready to lend a hand, just ask.” She said, “The organisation and the people (staff and volunteers) are selfless. Not only that they care for the cats, but they also care for the people. They have an ongoing “Resilience Program” that provides tools to keep our minds and bodies healthy. They invite a clinical psychologist and a fitness instructor to lead the activities.”

There are other benefits to volunteering too, “For people who can’t afford or are not allowed to have cats in their rental, volunteering at Ten Lives is a great way to mingle with these floofs and learn about their stories. You don’t know how your little time spent in the centre or the shop is a massive contribution to the lives of these floofs and the community.”

“You’ll be surprised how the experience is changing you for the better.”

When not volunteering, Minella enjoys binging on Netflix, taking care of her plants, and cooking. She and her husband also do bushwalking at least once a week. “We have this goal to reach the different mountain summits in Hobart, then the whole of Tasmania.”

You can find out more about becoming a volunteer with Ten Lives including positions we’re currently recruiting for at tenlives.com.au/volunteer.