This Volunteer Week, the BC SPCA is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our dedicated volunteer team members across the province. Whether they’re providing hands-on care to animals, sharing stories or supporting outreach efforts, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their compassion, commitment, and selfless dedication make our work possible—and make a lasting difference in the lives of both animals and people across British Columbia.
The BC SPCA Good Shepherd Barn in Surrey, B.C. provides urgent veterinary care and rehabilitation for abused, injured, and neglected farm animals. The role of a volunteer at this facility is to collaborate with staff to ensure all animals that come into care are treated with compassion and respect before as they prepare to transition into a new home.
Read some highlights of some of the amazing BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn volunteer team below!
Daniel LeBrun – BC SPCA volunteer since June 2018
Since 2018, Daniel LeBrun has been a “tremendous help” in maintaining the grounds of the property says Brenna Rocliffe, assistant manager of the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn. “Along with fellow volunteer Lynda Napoli, Daniel ensures the grounds of the property are well groomed. He also recently built a much-needed pathway across the grass, making the area more accessible—and keeping our toes dry!”
In addition to his work on-site, LeBrun also helps the BC SPCA by transporting animals in need to the Good Shepherd Barn. His reliability and dedication over the years have been deeply appreciated by the entire BC SPCA team.
Taylor Vincent – BC SPCA volunteer since November 2023.
Taylor Vincent joined the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn team in November 2023 as the team’s foster volunteer lead and has made a “significant impact in strengthening and expanding our foster program” says Rocliffe. “From onboarding new volunteers to keeping in touch with current fosters, she is our go-to person for ensuring that foster families feel supported and that the animals in their care receive the best possible attention.”
Taylor also attends the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn community events to help promote the foster program and connect with potential new foster families. Rocliffe continues, “Thanks to Taylor’s hard work, our foster network is growing, allowing us to help even more animals in need.”
Nadia Damin – BC SPCA volunteer since February 2024.
Nadia Damin became part of the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn team in 2024 as a guest greeter welcoming visitor to the barn. Since then, her role has expanded to include volunteer team lead and barn attendant. “Nadia is always ready to spend a little extra time helping out staff, the animals and her fellow volunteers,” explains Rocliffe, “She consistently goes the extra mile, making a meaningful impact on both our community and the animals in our care.”
Michael Gaertner – BC SPCA Volunteer since April 2024.
Michael Gaertner recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn this April. In that short time, he has left a lasting mark.
“Gaertner initially joined as a transport volunteer, taking animals to the vet and assisting with supply pick-ups.” Explains Rocliffe, “Since then, he has gone above and beyond helping relocate vehicles from up North, designing innovative solutions to improve our barn stalls, and putting together nesting boxes for our chickens. The list goes on and on! His resourcefulness and commitment have been invaluable.”
Qiqi Li – BC SPCA Volunteer since June 2024.
Qiqi Li joined the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn in 2024 as an outreach volunteer. Since her start date, Li has brought “fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our community engagement efforts,” tells Rocliffe. “She has hosted tours of our site, introduced creative ways to expand our presence in the community, and built valuable relationships with local groups.”
Li’s initiative and dedication have made a meaningful impact in spreading awareness about our work at the BC SPCA Surrey Good Shepherd Barn. Her efforts have helped strengthen community engagement and inspire others to get involved.
This National Volunteer Week is especially meaningful for the BC SPCA as it marks the first celebration since the launch of our new Strategic Plan in February 2025. A key focus of the plan is to elevate the essential role of our dedicated volunteers, whose compassion is at the heart of everything we do. As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to empowering and recognizing our incredible volunteer community.
If you are interested in volunteering with the BC SPCA, visit Ways to help – volunteer.