AUGUSTA – A local woman was celebrated for her volunteerism Thursday, attending the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism and receiving a certificate honoring her work at the Franklin County Animal Shelter.
Ella Friend has been volunteering at the FCAS for years, first becoming involved with the shelter when she adopted a cat. She now comes into the shelter five days a week, working from 5:30 a.m. until past 9 a.m. to clean up after the cats.
“It’s necessary, but not a very glamorous job,” Erin Miner, the shelter’s volunteer coordinator said in a statement released Thursday. “Ella truly cares about the well-being of every cat in her care.”
Friend is oftentimes the first person to notice if a cat needs extra attention and helps the shelter make certain they get everything they need. Additionally
She is the first to notice if any cat needs some extra attention and she makes sure they get whatever they need. According to the shelter, Friend also frequently makes trips to pick up supplies and donations for the shelter in other towns. Also, she often fosters sick or baby animals at her home until they are ready to be adopted.
On Thursday, April 17, Friend was one of five people in Maine to be recognized for her outstanding volunteerism in 2013. She attended the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism in Augusta where First Lady Ann LePage presented her with a certificate of honor for her contributions.
In 2013, Friend volunteered for over 1,200 hours.
“She is an irreplaceable part of the team at the animal shelter,” Miner said. “There’s no one more deserving of the high honor that Ella just received.”
CONGRATULATIONS Ella!!
Ella, you are a special person… Congratulations!
Congratulations Ella! That is very nice and very kind of you to offer to help care for the animals who need a home.
congrads, it is good to have people like you i am a cat person
Thanks for being there for the ones that need your help.