MARIE MOLLOY

For the Lake Country Calendar

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to befriend a horse? Not just any horse, but one you helped rescue and rehabilitate? Allow me to introduce 17-year-old Emilie Spanier, a full-time student who attends George Elliot Secondary School in Lake Country, as well as a volunteer helping rescue horses.

香蕉视频直播淢y volunteer work at Old Friends Canada Society has given me a deeper appreciation for the people around me and the things I have,香蕉视频直播� said Spanier. 香蕉视频直播淲hen I look at the horses and the rough times they香蕉视频直播檝e had, it opens my eyes. The horses are an inspiration for me.香蕉视频直播�

Spanier understands, first-hand, the challenges and rewards of working with abused animals as she reflects on her recent experience with one special horse named 香蕉视频直播淪ox.香蕉视频直播�

香蕉视频直播淎lmost four years ago we rescued a horse who was badly abused. She was skin and bones infected with lice,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淪ox was misunderstood, scared and very aggressive. Arrangements were made to have her professionally trained and I accompanied her during all the training. Because I香蕉视频直播檓 the one who handled her, she trusts me a lot. We won many award ribbons together for schooling shows and I香蕉视频直播檓 so very grateful to have had that opportunity.香蕉视频直播�

Spanier香蕉视频直播檚 future plans include continued volunteerism and studies in higher education.

香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 applying to Okanagan College as well as UBC Vancouver to study nursing and then eventually get my Master香蕉视频直播檚 degree in occupational therapy,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 able to apply for bursaries and scholarships because of my volunteer work which is an amazing thing.香蕉视频直播�

She contemplates the impact COVID has had on the horses.

香蕉视频直播淲hen I walk onto the property, I can tell the horses are happy to have someone visit them. There香蕉视频直播檚 not as many people now and they really love to be petted, given treats and taken out,香蕉视频直播� said Spanier. 香蕉视频直播淏efore COVID, they regularly saw people during events such as tours, barbecue fundraisers, silent auctions, etc., and now, not as much. Once COVID restrictions are lifted, it香蕉视频直播檒l be really good for families to get out and be with the animals. It香蕉视频直播檚 good for mental health.香蕉视频直播�

Her advice to those considering volunteer work?

香蕉视频直播淛ust give it a shot and maybe it香蕉视频直播檒l make your life different like it does mine,香蕉视频直播� said Spanier. 香蕉视频直播淚 am truly a different person since I started volunteering. It teaches me so many skills like teamwork, leadership and time management. If you have the patience, you can accomplish great things.香蕉视频直播�

Online information about Old Friends Canada Society may be found at:

Facebook:

District of Lake Country volunteering opportunities:

KCR volunteering opportunities:

Marie Molloy is a community activist who lives in Carr香蕉视频直播檚 Landing and is chairperson of the District of Lake Country Access and Age-friendly Committee

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