Cat cuddlers, dog fosterers and shrew poo collectors will unite this month to launch a national campaign to encourage people to take up a purr-fect new hobby. Eleven charities will be highlighting the many and varied opportunities available to volunteers – and aiming to recruit more – as part of Animals Month for the Year of the Volunteer.
Amazing, touching and inspirational stories will also be revealed, from animal-lovers who have recovered from depression through volunteering to families who volunteer together.
Karen Shaw of the RSPCA, spokesperson for the month, said: ‘The Year of the Volunteer has enabled all these charities to work together in a way we've never done before, so we can both recognise the amazing work of current volunteers, and hopefully recruit many more.
‘Statistics prove how volunteering can improve a person’s health, reduce their stress levels and even benefit their social life or career. This is especially true when volunteering with animals, as the positive effects of being around them are well documented.’
But Karen stresses that animal charities are particularly keen to recruit volunteers in non-animal related roles, such as branch photographers, office managers and publicists.
‘These roles are vital for animal charities, and they also provide volunteers with a great chance to use, or learn, skills. And if you’re allergic to animals, this is the way to get involved!”
As part of Animals Month, five Make-a-Thon kits have been produced so that volunteers, including children, can take part without leaving home. The colourful and easy-to-follow kits include:
Make-a-thon: "POM POM" CAT TOY
Make-a-thon: CAT CARRIER COVERS
Make-a-thon: "FISH" CAT TOY
Many animal charities cannot accept volunteers under 18 years of age, so these make-a-thons are a brilliant way to take part.
Anyone wishing to find out more about volunteering with animals can visit one of the Animals Month Roadshows which will tour the country in December. The roadshow will be visiting:
For more information on these and other events please visit
Year of the Volunteer Events
Learn more about volunteering during Animal month:
|
|
|
|
|
