Name: Pati Hinkel
Current employer or place of business: Community Services Northwest. I am a chemical dependency counselor, working with pregnant/parenting addicted moms in Clark County. I have worked for the same agency for over 25 years. I have a job that I absolutely love. It is very rewarding and there is never a boring day!
Organization(s) I volunteer with: Furry Friends, a cat adoption agency in Vancouver. I volunteer every Monday evening at the Halfway House and have been doing this for three years. I feed, clean and pet the cats. The kitties love affection, they are so love starved. I would love to see more people volunteer with this group.
How I got involved: Heard all about it from a friend.
Why I give back: It is rewarding and very, very fun. My favorite part about being a volunteer with Furry Friends is spending time with other people who love cats as much as I do. I have two cats and a dog at home and I can’t imagine my life without them. They bring so much joy to our household.
Proudest moment as a volunteer: Sponsoring my own table for the annual Furry Friends fundraiser/auction. The next auction will be on September 17, 2016. I’m looking forward to helping with that event.
What local challenge or issue are you most passionate about? I’m passionate about helping homeless people and animals. I wish I could help them all.
Just for fun: What are your hidden talents? It’s not a talent per say, but my interests include my granddaughter, gardening, working out, cooking and traveling. Fun fact: I got my first pet (cat) at the age of 54! I am hooked; there will always be a cat in my household.
“Paying it Forward: Volunteer Businessperson of the Week” is sponsored by Pacific Continental Bank.