2023-10-05 10:36:00
It’s quite a page that will turn on December 31: Sébastien de Jonge will leave his position as director of Sans Collier.
Arriving at the Perwézien shelter more than fifteen years ago, after finishing his studies, the man will have transformed the animal protection association, active since 1972. This announcement therefore surprised more than one.
“It was an opportunity that presented itself to mereacts the person concerned who will work for Gaia, another animal defense association. At Sans Collier, I have already started to take on this representation role, particularly on the Walloon council. Whether personally or for the association, it was the right time. I’m leaving a ship that’s running smoothly, with lots of interesting new challenges.”
“If I had to wait until all the projects were completed, I would never leave”
A foundation will be created, as will a third shelter. So surprising to see Sébastien de Jonge leaving now. “But if I had to wait until all the projects were done, I would never leave, he smiled. This is precisely what is interesting for the person who will take over from me: there are plenty of challenges to take on. For the non-profit organization, it is also positive to be led by someone who will bring a new vision.”
A call for applications has also been launched, the current director will ensure the transition until the end of the year. With a pang in my heart. “Obviously it’s difficult, it’s like my baby. I have practically only known Sans Collier, with an involvement of almost 16 years. In addition, I have always been able to count on the support of my board of directors. “administration and its trust. It was emotionally not an easy decision to make. But I will continue to defend the animal cause, with legislative progress and no longer rescues on the ground.”
“I built myself with Sans Collier”
He leaves with the feeling of duty accomplished. “If I had left the non-profit organization ten years ago, without any progress at the shelter level, it would have been different. I did my part of the job. I built myself with this association. And I am not leaving in bad terms, it’s a serene approach. Finally, it’s the right moment, both for me and for Sans Collier. At Gaia, a big challenge awaits me, because there is the whole political part, the negotiations, being the spokesperson at the French-speaking level, follow the development of the campaigns. I am leaving the field to move towards something broader: trying to convince society to change on structural mistreatment.”
He will necessarily be very attentive to the candidate who is selected. “Besides, I spoke with the board of directors before giving my response to Gaia. My role is quite “central”, I cannot leave overnight. There are projects in progress, complete as quickly as possible. I hope that as many applications as possible will be received and that they will find someone very committed to the cause, someone who has it in their guts. A person passionate about the animal cause and very good manager. Because there is no shortage of responsibilities. We hope to find the pearl and I am rather confident. It’s a great job, with a very dynamic non-profit organization and challenges to take on.”
“I was entitled to the most beautiful and the worst”
Because it must be written, in a decade and a half, Sébastien de Jonge will have seen some green and some unripe ones. “Generally when you get involved in such a cause, you don’t have time to look in the rearview mirror and think about your memories. You are immersed in emotion, drama, death, life. Daily life is very gripping. But what I particularly remember, when I started as a volunteer, was a rescue in Ramillies. I was struck by the bad side of human nature, I received a slap. was found in a gloomy place, stepping over dead animals. It was horrible. The next day, however, a lady came to the shelter to adopt a dog. I saw in her eyes everything she had to offer him. They were two very memorable moments. In 24 hours, I was treated to the best and the worst. And in the end, that sums up our daily life.”
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