Super Dog stands by super volunteer, Norma Allison, at the annual Pause

For A Cause walk in Cottonwood Island Park yesterday

Prince George, BC – When the North Cariboo Branch of the BC SPCA received a $10-thousand dollar donation earlier this summer from the Sandman’s community garage sale, it afforded the shelter the opportunity to do something important – recognize its longest serving volunteer.

Norma Allison has been helping out the local SPCA for the past 40-years.  In fact, when she first began it was to help fundraise for the city’s initial shelter. 

So, it seemed only fitting, says Assistant Branch Manager, Sarah Thompson, that Allison be honoured by having a new volunteer room named after her.  "Norma has been so devoted, it’s been nice to finally recognize her efforts," says Thompson.  "Volunteers are so integral to what we do."

Allison and Super Dog were joined by Prince George Mayor, Shari Green, as they led participants in the SPCA’s annual fundraising walk, Paws For A Cause, through Cottonwood Island Park.  Allison says she had no idea when she began her foray into volunteering would span four decades, "It’s just something that I wanted to do and something I felt, ‘Well, I’ll just carry on as long as I’m needed.’"

The long-time helper shied away from having her efforts singled out from the many people who donate their time at the shelter.  "It’s very, very rewarding," she says, "But it’s not that I’m any more worthy, it’s just really important that all the volunteers have this room.  It makes us all feel worthy."