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BENEFITS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER
Working as a volunteer can have many rewards and benefits. Volunteering offers important help to charities and communities including people in need and not forgetting our four-legged furry friends in an animal rescue. The benefits can be even bigger for you!
· Meet new people
· Give you a sense of purpose
and achievement
· Make your life fun and fulfilled
· Learn new skills
· Utilise your current skills
for the greater good
MAKING NEW FRIENDS
When you move to a new area, sometimes it can be difficult to meet new people. Volunteering can be one of the best ways to make new friends. The people you meet generally will have at least one common interest – the place that you are volunteering for? It will allow you to connect to your community and help boost your confidence.
SPOTLIGHT ON 4 PAWS ANIMAL RESCUE VOLUNTEER, KATE.
Interviewing one of our wonderful volunteers Kate, we asked her some questions that could answer any unknowns you may have about Volunteering.
What made you want to volunteer?
It’s a way for me to keep busy and meet new people. I also like the idea of contributing to society in some way.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for 4 Paws Animal Rescue?
Be prepared to do anything. There aren’t many glamorous jobs in animal rescue, and you may not be doing something you imagined yourself doing but whatever it is it will make a difference! All of these animals deserve a second chance at life. New home, new life!
Why did you choose 4 Paws Animal Rescue?
I’ve always loved animals and have had rescue dogs all my life. I was first introduced to 4 paws when I adopted a dear little dog called Misty. From my first phone call with Julie, I knew 4 Paws was all about what’s best for the animal. I love the focus 4 Paws has on making sure the next home the animal goes to is their 'forever home'. That ethos makes 4 Paws an organisation I want to be involved with.
How long have you been volunteering for 4 Paws Animal Rescue, Sunshine Coast?
I started slowly about 10 years ago doing the occasional sausage sizzle but have become more involved in the last 4 years.
What do you get out of volunteering?
A sense of purpose and knowing that I am taking action about something I feel strongly about (animal welfare).
Why is it important to volunteer?
I believe we should all do a little bit to help others-As they say - Many hands make light work!
USING YOUR CURRENT SKILLS
Some volunteers have had to retire early from their career for many reasons however they possess some excellent skills that can be offered to charities in need. This can give you a great sense of achievement and avoid letting your skills become redundant.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I DEDICATE TO BEING A VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment and take away many hours out of your already busy week. Most charities are grateful for the smallest amount of assistance that you can give. The most important part of volunteering is to enjoy what you’re doing and don’t make it a chore. It’s simple, just work out an amount of time that you are comfortable dedicating and go for it!
4 Paws Animal Rescue is 100% volunteer run. We rely heavily on the fantastic work that our volunteers do and without them, 4 Paws Animal Rescue would not be the amazing animal rescue charity that it is today!
If you would like to become a volunteer for 4 Paws Animal Rescue, Sunshine Coast we would love to hear from you! Click on this link https://www.4pawsanimalrescue.org.au/volunteer