This Volunteers’ Week, Dogs Trust Canterbury celebrates hard-working volunteers and appeals for others to join
Dogs Trust Canterbury is marking Volunteers’ Week (2 - 8 June) by celebrating the incredible impact of its volunteers, and appealing for others to get involved.
Every year, Volunteers’ Week enables the charity to shine a spotlight on the vital role volunteers play and to say thank you to those hard-working individuals. Dogs Trust currently has 3,800 volunteers and 622 foster carers supporting its work in a wide variety of different roles. From caring for dogs in rehoming centres to helping in charity shops and providing foster homes for dogs in need, there’s something for every dog lover to get involved with.
Dogs Trust welcomes volunteers from all walks of life - anyone over 18 years old with a positive attitude and a love for dogs would be a great fit. Whether fresh out of college, working part-time, or enjoying retirement, there’s a role at Dogs Trust. No previous experience is required.
One of the incredible volunteers at Dogs Trust Canterbury is Gail Austen, who has been volunteering as a Canine Assistant for eight months.
When asked about her experience volunteering for Dogs Trust, Gail said: "I chose to volunteer with Dogs Trust, not only for what they do for our canine friends, but also for people with schemes such as the Freedom and Together Through Homelessness projects. I can't resolve the bigger problems that people face when they make the difficult decision to rehome a beloved pet, but I take consolation in that I can contribute in some small way towards helping the dogs being cared for and rehomed.
Gail continued: “I work in an office and relish to the opportunity to get 'stuck in' at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre. No two weeks are the same and there is always plenty to do, whether it's cleaning kennels, walking dogs, or just generally helping out. The staff work very hard and it's great to feel useful by supporting them. Plus, there are always smiles!"
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and give something back all while making a genuine difference to the lives of dogs in need.
To find out more information, view details of current vacancies or to apply to be a volunteer at Dogs Trust, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/volunteering.