SPCA volunteer Leanne Holmes has fostered three mother cats and their litters. Photo / Dean Purcell
Leanne Holmes says it is just something that "needs to be done".
But SPCA chief executive Bob Kerridge reckons Ms Holmes is "an absolute gem".
Ms Holmes gave up her Christmas Day to work with Auckland's abused, injured and unwanted animals.
The 32-year-old accountant works fulltime but still
makes time to volunteer at the SPCA in Mangere.
The SPCA is closed on Christmas Day. Paid staff have the day off and the non-profit organisation is closed to the public. However, the animals still need looking after.
Yesterday was Ms Holmes' first Christmas Day at the SPCA. Previously she was a volunteer at Auckland Zoo, where she worked for the past three Christmas Days. A particular interest in the SPCA's investigations work where staff go out and rescue mistreated animals led Ms Holmes to volunteer at the animal welfare organisation. She has five cats of her own, including four from the SPCA.
She also takes part in the SPCA's animal fostering programme.
Mr Kerridge says the SPCA has 365 kittens and 60 adult cats out in foster homes.
Ms Holmes has fostered three mother cats and and their litters.
"You get given everything, including the food, bedding, litter trays, toys and blankets. It all comes with the animal and it costs nothing at all."
Mr Kerridge said that most of the time the fosters do turn into adoptions. "I've kept a foster myself. Everyone does."
* Find out how to become an SPCA volunteer
