Celebrating National Volunteer Week and the wonderful work they do!

National Volunteer Week

Jane Goodall

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference. National Volunteer Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.

We have spoken to the many dog rescue groups we work with all over the world to find out why volunteers are so important in keeping the wheels turning.

All of them agreed that they rely on volunteers to achieve their goals and remain productive. Without volunteers, these non-profits are not able to function.

The bottom line is that there’s more work to be done than money available to pay staff.  Without volunteers, many not-for-profits simply wouldn’t have the funds to build their organisations to begin with, let alone continue carrying out their work. Having a volunteer base means that a greater percentage of the organisation’s profits can be used to directly support their mission (e.g., providing for the dogs) rather than paying staff wages.

So why volunteer, and how can you get involved?

Volunteering is a fun and rewarding way to donate some of your time. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people and potentially form some lifelong friendships!

By volunteering, you can be sure you’re making a difference for those dogs in need. For some volunteers, this is a chance to give something back to the community, to use their skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of dogs who need assistance the most. For others, it is a chance to develop new skills and experience in a supportive environment.

With such a wide range of services and programs to be involved in, there is something to suit all commitment levels from; weekly, monthly, quarterly, or ad-hoc volunteering.  The Rescue Groups recognise that the level of involvement volunteers can commit to will vary depending on their personal circumstances such as study, work, and family commitments.  Members and volunteers are also supported to adjust their commitment as their personal circumstances change.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to dogs in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those dogs in need and improve your health and happiness.

And finally, to those of you already volunteering – we want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you. We know how valued and appreciated you are, and National Volunteer Week is a great platform for us to recognise your contributions.