Friends of the Pound
Who are we?
We are a not-for-profit organisation who rescue animals from the Tweed Shire Pound. We run independently from the pound so are solely dependant on donations and the fund-raising efforts of our volunteers.
Our Organisation
We are a not-for-profit organisation who rescue animals from the Tweed Shire Pound. Although we assist in the day-to-day pound operations, we run independently from the pound so are solely dependant on donations and the fund-raising efforts of our volunteers.
Our aim is to re-home the homeless dogs and cats in the Tweed area, by adopting a pet you will be rewarded with unconditional love and lifelong devotion – and you will also be saving a life.
We also promote the importance of responsible pet ownership and slowly but surely, hope to lessen the increasing number of homeless animals, particularly through encouraging the desexing of animals.
Meet The Team
Sonia Trichter
President, Secretary & Cat Coordinator
I joined FoP in 2010 as a ‘newby’ to animal welfare, having always had a dog or cat in my life. When the opportunity of taking on the role of Cat Co-ordinator arose, I became more involved, treating each one as I would my own and celebrating when the right home is found for these lovely creatures! The President’s role has been a learning curve, but with a stable committee, the organisation runs smoothly. Our vision is for a FoP Rehoming Centre, supported by our system of Foster Carers.
m: 0439 766 243
t: 07 5590 7284
Penny Payne
Vice President
I have always had cats in my life and when I found a Friends of the Pound rehoming centre and had the time to volunteer I did so. What started off as one morning a week soon escalated to becoming Team Leader first at The Pines and then at Corporation Circuit. I also willingly started fostering pregnant and nursing mums and their kittens which is hugely rewarding. It can be quite emotional watching one of ‘my’ babies being adopted into a forever home.
Michael Fitzgibbins
Dog Coordinator
I have over 10 years of experience in managing not-for-profit organisations, that specialise in developing and implementing programs for vulnerable community groups. My role as founder and CEO of a Not-For-Profit is centred around developing educational programs that change human behaviours. I joined FoP as I have a love for all animals, and think that if we all do one thing a day for another living being, then we will create a better world for everyone.
Lee Robertson
Pound Co-ordinator
I have shared a home with cats and dogs all of my life, so when the opportunity of supporting ‘homeless’ animals presented itself nine years ago, I jumped at it. Our pound is one of the best around, with FoP volunteers there on a daily basis doing all that we can to enhance the lives of the ‘residents’… as a bonus, we have a great time doing it!
Jennifer Arnold
Committee Member
I enjoy having a hand in several areas of Friends of the Pound’s activities. I like working at our Rehoming Booth and at the Pound, as well as caring for my own pets, all of which are rescued animals. I have a Border Collie x, a German Shepherd and 2 black cats. I also take other dogs out for walks to help those in the community who are unable to exercise their dogs due to illness or injury. I drive a sedan and it’s fun to watch 3 or 4 dogs’ heads and bodies leaning from side to side and bouncing around when I take them out!
Estelle Williams
Treasurer
Every animal that I’ve had the pleasure to know has been special and so becoming a foster carer with FoP when I moved into the area was a natural progression for my love for animals. When Sonia asked me to fill the vacating Treasurer role several years ago, I was more than happy to be able to contribute my time to such a worthy cause, and it has been a pleasure to see the growth of the organisation. I am in awe of the tireless efforts and love that all of the FoP volunteers bring to make a difference to those who have no voice of their own.
