Columbia branch manager a loyal friend to animals

Vancouver, WA – Teresa Didier, Columbia Credit Union Riverstone Branch Manager, has found a way to combine her desire to serve the community with her love of animals by volunteering for the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW). As a member of the organization’s steering committee, Teresa helps plan events and solicits gifts to benefit their programs.

“I was looking for ways to get involved,” explains Teresa. “I have always believed in the benefits the humane society extends to animals and the community. It was founded in 1897, and has managed to do wonderful things in the 100-plus years they have been established.”

Through the work of staff and more than 350 volunteers, the HSSW offers a variety of humane programs including pet adoptions, community education, advice on pet behavior, spay/neuter assistance, foster care, and low-cost pet adoptions for seniors. “With all of these options, more animals will have the opportunity to find good homes with caring families,” says Teresa.
According to Teresa, there are a number of ways to get involved at the Humane Society from clerical work to fostering animals or volunteering at events. “I am planning to recruit my co-workers at Columbia Credit Union to form a team or “pack” for the Walk for the Animals event in May,” states Teresa, who began as a morning dog walker two years ago, socializing animals and walking them for exercise.

The HSSW relies heavily on volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the more than 13,000 animals that pass through their shelter every year. “It is a heartwarming experience and can be as time consuming as you make it,” says Teresa. “It gives you a great feeling of satisfaction when you know you were able to help the animals.”

Columbia Credit Union is dedicated to supporting organizations in our community including the HSSW. In addition to past support, Columbia was a sponsor of the 2008 Dinner and Auction event to benefit the construction of their new facility on 192nd Ave. in east Vancouver. The new facility will be 30,000 square feet in size (nearly triple the current facility), with increased capacity for dogs and cats, visitation rooms, walking trail, surgery, office space and an education center.
If you would like more information on the ways you can support or volunteer with the HSSW,please visit www.southwesthumane.org.