As MN SNAP’s volunteer coordinator, I am honored to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for all our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week. We have a variety of volunteer roles, and in all of them, your dedication and commitment to our mission have impacted our community. We want to acknowledge and celebrate your tremendous work as part of our team.

Our mission is to end the suffering and unnecessary death of Minnesota cats, dogs, and rabbits due to overpopulation by providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible spay and neuter services to those in need and animal welfare education in the communities we serve. Your support is at the heart of our ability to fulfill this mission.

Your motivation and passion for our mission are inspiring. We understand that many of you do not seek recognition or accolades for your invaluable contributions, but we want you to know that your efforts are noticed.

To honor your incredible commitment, I’d like to share heartfelt messages we’ve received from our staff with the theme Because of you . . .

• Because of you, I know the day is going to go smoothly.
• Because of you, the staff breathe easier. Having your help is indispensable and so greatly appreciated! Thank you
• Because of you, MN SNAP is able to help both people and animals in need!
• Because of you, we are able to accomplish our goals and stay true to our mission of reducing overpopulation and needless suffering.
• Because of you, we have clean and sterile surgery packs.
• Because of you, we have clean laundry for patient care.
• Because of you, we are able to check in clients with lower stress to the patient.
• Because of you, colonies of community cats are getting the care they need to be healthy and happy.
• Because of you, pets are able to get the care they need to stay with their families.
• Because of you, our veterinary staff has the support they need.
• Because of you, our laundry gets done!
• Because of you, our patients and our clients feel seen, safe, and supported in a stressful, new situation.
• Because of you, we are able to keep clinics running during snow storms.
• Because of you, we are able to get through a pile of laundry stacked to the ceiling in one weekend!
• Because of you, we were able to run several clinics during a staff COVID outbreak.
• Because of you, we are able to put on successful fundraisers that keep MN SNAP going!
• Because of you, the staff can do their jobs with maximum efficiency.
• Because of you, we can run desperately needed out-of-town clinics in areas of the state where spay/neuter services are in high demand.
• Because of you, MN SNAP staff come to work with smiles on their faces.
• Because of you, dogs, cats, and rabbits are prevented from contributing to pet overpopulation AND receive much needed medical care to improve their lives.
• Because of you, our morning check in runs smoothly and clients walk away having had a very pleasant experience!
• Because of you, staff can put all of their focus on patient care throughout the day.
• Because of you, MN SNAP saves tens of thousands of dollars every year.
• Because of you, clients are called with appointment reminders and are fully supported throughout the scheduling process.
• Because of you, my life is better and I am reminded daily that there is good in the world.
• Because of you, our sidewalks get shoveled and our clinic fix-it projects are done at zero cost to MN SNAP.
• Because of you, our surgical packs are cleaned and sterilized every single day to keep us running 6 days/week.

So, to all our volunteers, I want to offer a thank you. Because of your support and time, we can work towards reducing pet overpopulation.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week and beyond, please take a moment to celebrate your invaluable contributions and the positive change you bring to our community.

Thank you for being an integral part of the MN SNAP family.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Heather Nardi (volunteer coordinator) and the entire MN SNAP staff