Monthly Volunteer Profile: Justin Marucci

The old adage says, “Moss don’t grow on a rolling stone.” The author of this could easily be talking about Winnipeg Humane Society volunteer Justin Marucci, who certainly keeps himself busy.

Justin, unlike this writer and many of the MVPs I’ve profiled in this role over seven years, is neither retired nor a student. He works full time as an executive with Thor Plumbing and Heating Ltd. On Saturdays, he spends three hours volunteering in the WHS intake department, a position he’s held since last September. In his spare time, he coached soccer four times a week (until the season ended in December) and maintains an active fitness regimen with a yoga practice.

“I started with the Humane Society because I wanted to be part of a bigger purpose,” he explained. “To surround myself with like-minded individuals. Working with animals that don’t have a voice resonates with my personal beliefs, as to why I started there.”

Every Saturday, Justin comes in and assists with being one of the first points of contact for any animal being surrendered. He helps set up the kennels with blankets, toys, food, and anything else that may make the animal as comfortable as possible. “Once we receive animals and they have had their initial checks, I will bring them to their kennel and try to ensure their transition is as stress-free as possible,” he said. “This process is so important as the animals are in an extremely vulnerable state.”

In addition, Justin helps set up the intake rooms for incoming animals, general cleaning, and re-stocking supplies, among other duties. He also helps the foster department transition animals into and out of the facility.

The intake department could be a stressful environment. Generally speaking, most people do not want to surrender a pet they’ve grown close to. But pets may be surrendered for any sort of financial, social, health or family reasons, many of which are beyond the control of those bringing an animal in. But Justin credits the intake staff and volunteers for focusing everything they do on what is best for the animals.

“It can have its sad stories but it can also be looked at as an amazing facility with an absolutely exceptional group of people,” he pointed out. “I don’t know if I’ve ever met more of a compassionate, caring group of individuals that I’m so proud to be associated with. They are amazing.

“There’s always something happening, like the escaped budgie or the cutest puppies and kittens coming in, but the most amazing thing about the intake department is their staff who are an absolute pleasure to work with,” Justin continued. “They are some of the kindest, most compassionate people I have met, consistently displaying dedication to both the animals and people. Their ability to maintain empathy and kindness across difficult situations is unbelievable. Whether it is comforting a family surrendering a pet or calming a vulnerable animal, it is absolutely incredible to witness and learn from them. The intake/foster teams have made the environment so accepting and easy to be a part of. In truth, everyone I have met at the WHS has been fantastic, cannot say enough about these wonderful people.”

Justin developed his closeness to animals growing up. He had many pet dogs as a child, then both dogs and cats as he grew older. But he fondly remembered spending many summer weeks as a child at his grandparents’ farm near Ethelbert. “I enjoyed being outside and spending time with the animals,” he went on.

When asked if he, like so many other WHS volunteers, has adopted a pet he’s met while volunteering, he chuckled and said “Not yet, but I have wanted to take home just about every animal that comes in. I’ve been restraining myself but it’s been tough.”

He’s been with Thor Plumbing and Heating for 17 years, starting as a refrigeration mechanical and gas fitter. He’s worked his way up the ranks and is now the Director of Major Project Pursuits. His job is to get big projects for the company and their list of jobs includes many of the biggest, high-profile buildings in the province. In this position, he knows first-hand the value of employees and was involved in the development of a large fitness centre for company staff.

Justin feels the volunteer work complements his career work. “It’s very rewarding,” he said. “There’s something different about volunteering. It makes you feel good to help out alongside someone who is super compassionate about animals. You can learn how to be a better human by watching them.

“I’m excited to go every Saturday and help. Even if it’s just cleaning up kennels, I know I’m helping and I’m making an impact. There’s no shortage of little things that can be done there. It’s a great place but it’s not where animals are meant to be. Most of the animals are so happy to see people who will pay them attention and give them some affection.”