Volunteer Hall of Fame


At Animal Aid Abroad, our work would not be possible without the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of our incredible volunteers. From behind-the-scenes support to hands-on fundraising, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to improve the lives of working animals around the world.

This Hall of Fame is a tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond — giving generously of their time, talents, and hearts.

We are proud to celebrate them here.

Celebrating our everyday heroes

  • We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dianne Lawrence for her incredible contribution to Animal Aid Abroad since its beginning in 2007. For 14 years, Dianne devoted countless evenings and weekends to managing our finances with unwavering dedication and precision. Her professionalism and attention to detail have been second to none.

    To honour Dianne’s long-standing service, we acknowledged her at our recent AGM and named a donkey stable after her at our AAA-TAHUCHA Donkey Sanctuary in Tanzania. Thankfully, Dianne isn’t stepping away completely—she continues to lend her skills as needed, and we’re grateful she remains part of the AAA family.

  • Janette’s journey with AAA began in 2007, when she offered to help a friend—Janet Thomas—with a brochure. That simple offer turned into years of support, from designing newsletters and flyers to attending major events and overseas trips.

    With a creative hand and generous spirit, Janette has supported AAA through countless fundraisers and committee meetings. Over 22 years, she’s played a valuable part in AAA’s growth—and treasures the memories and friendships formed along the way.

  • This mother-daughter duo are tireless creators who make beautiful handmade crafts and run market stalls to raise funds for our animals. Their support over the years has been invaluable—thank you, Elaine and Elsie!

    “We’ve volunteered in many ways over the years and it’s been a joy to support Animal Aid Abroad. It’s lovely hearing from people who love using our quilts and table runners. This is our way of giving back to the animals—and we’re proud to do it.”

  • Seventeen years ago, Myrna met AAA founder Janet Thomas and joined the early team of passionate animal lovers. She was deeply moved by the plight of working animals and became a dedicated advocate for their protection.

    Myrna has helped run stalls, raffles, quiz nights and more—always surrounded by a warm and committed group of fellow volunteers. She cherishes the friendships made and memories shared, and looks forward to many more years of giving her time to a cause close to her heart.

  • Jaime joined AAA inspired by his mum Myrna’s volunteer work, offering his IT expertise to support events and help behind the scenes. From creating email accounts to solving tech problems, Jaime has always been happy to assist.

    Whether lending a hand at quiz nights or troubleshooting systems, Jaime’s quiet contributions have been vital. He’s proud to play his part in such a meaningful cause that’s helping animals in need.

  • Paul began volunteering with AAA in the early 2010s after being inspired by a pamphlet from our NSW coordinator. He’s since raised over $1,500, managed our chocolate fundraising efforts, supported stalls at events, and co-led our NSW volunteer team.

    From church drives to coin collections, Paul’s efforts have funded vital equipment for clinics. Seeing the direct impact on animals continues to fuel his passion, and we are so grateful for his ongoing support and belief in our mission.

  • Since 2015, Sylvia has supported AAA through travel, hands-on volunteering, and personal donations. She’s visited India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal with our team, witnessing firsthand the powerful impact AAA makes for working animals.

    Her connection to Janet’s mission runs deep, and Sylvia continues to help at events, raise awareness, and support our cause wherever she can. Her journey with AAA is marked by compassion, commitment, and an enduring belief in a better world for animals.

  • Denise joined AAA after meeting Janet at a festival stall—drawn in by the mission to help discarded working animals. As a long-time vegetarian, her empathy for animals made AAA the perfect fit.

    From selling chocolates and collecting donations to visiting project sites abroad, Denise has seen how funds are used to bring real change. She’s proud to be part of this hardworking, compassionate team and hopes AAA continues to grow, raising awareness and inspiring kindness for all animals.

  • Franklin, a former Perth Zoo staff member, brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for animals. She’s supported AAA at fundraising events and helped with their tax exemption status. Her children’s book Nuru’s Moment of Courage, about a Tanzanian donkey, donates proceeds to AAA.

    Franklin also volunteers on a grants committee, advocates for stronger animal and environmental laws, and supports education in wildlife and ecology. Her compassion and energy are a gift to animals—and to our team.