Celebrating Volunteers

From the 1st to 7th June it was National Volunteer's week. As a small charity Volunteers are a crucial part of how we operate and we couldn't achieve all that we do without them.

This National Event was a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the important role volunteers play in our organisation and also say a big THANK YOU for their ongoing support.

At RSPCA Doncaster, Rotherham and District Branch we have a number of volunteer roles from assisting our Animal Care Team, helping walk dogs, helping in our Charity Shops and at Events, and driving our vans. For more details and to apply click >here<.

Below, some of our current Volunteers tell us a bit about what they do and why they chose to give their time:

Jennifer helping our Animal Care Team by walking one of our dogs

First up is Jennifer who has been with us for over a year now and who volunteers for us both at the Animal Centre and at events.

What made you want to volunteer at RSPCA South Yorkshire Animal Centre?

Once I retired I wanted to ‘give back’ to the community without too many time restraints as I planned to go on holidays in retirement. I love animals especially dogs and chose the local RSPCA.

What do you get most out of volunteering for us?

The feeling of warmth giving your time to help the staff and animals at the Centre which is something money can’t buy. It was the best decision I have ever made!

Would you recommend volunteering for the RSPCA?

Yes, it is a safe environment, you are able to do as little or as much as you want ( I have even done some gardening) there is also plenty of training available if you want it.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for the RSPCA?

It’s a feeling of privilege to help out; all the staff make me feel welcome and appreciated. My favourite part has to be walking the dogs, oh and baking cakes for the staff to eat which goes down very well!

We'd like to thank Jennifer for her time and everything that she does to support us...as well as the delicious cakes she brings in!

Colin supporting us at a fundraising and awareness event

Colin has been with us for over 3 years now and has helped in many roles at the Centre as well at fundraising events

What made you want to volunteer at RSPCA South Yorkshire Animal Centre?

I had just retired and was looking for something to do. Having adopted from the RSPCA before, dog walking appealed which is how I started as a volunteer for the Centre. I have gone on to help at fundraising events and now do grounds and maintenance which I enjoy.

What do you get most out of volunteering for us?

I thoroughly enjoy keeping the Centre looking clean and tidy as it really helps to create a good impression for visitors to the site.

Would you recommend volunteering for the RSPCA?

Yes. I really enjoy what I do and its nice knowing i'm doing something to help benefit the Centre.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for the RSPCA?

It is definitely the knowledge that I am contributing to a good cause.

We'd like to thank Colin for all that he does both at the Centre and at fundraising events. He works hard to make sure the Centre looks in tip-top condition and is always happy to help with maintenance around the site.

Sarah, on the right, one of our shop volunteers with Sara, Deputy

Manager of our Bawtry Charity Shop

Sarah is one of our Charity Shop volunteers. She has great retail experience and helps out in our Bawtry Charity Shop.

What made you want to volunteer at RSPCA Bawtry Charity Shop?

I started volunteering nearly 3 years ago as I had gone down to part time at work and had more spare time on my hands. I love animals so it made perfect sense to volunteer for the RSPCA.

I live in Bawtry and so thought it would be perfect to work at the Bawtry shop. After meeting Hannah and Sara (The Manager and Deputy Manager), I decided I would love it there as they had created a lovely shop with a friendly atmosphere.

What do you get most out of volunteering for us?

I love feeling that I’ve helped in my own small way and that the animals will be well looked after and cared for with all the money we raise.

Would you recommend volunteering for the RSPCA?

I would highly recommend volunteering for the RSPCA, either in the shops or at the centre, as it is so rewarding and the teams are just lovely.

What is your favourite part of volunteering for the RSPCA?

My favourite part is working with the amazing team at the RSPCA Bawtry shop and speaking to all our lovely customers who readily donate such fabulous stock to enable us to make the money we need.

A huge thank you goes out to Sarah and all our other volunteers that support our Charity Shops. The shops raise vital funds for our Animal Centre and they couldn't do it without you.

Please note this photograph was take before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Cathryn, one of our Trustees

Volunteering can include many different roles. Here is Cathryn talking about what it is like to be Trustee for our Branch.

What led you to become a trustee?

I’d recently retired but still had the energy to make a contribution, plus the skills acquired from decades of full time work. I wanted to help a worthy cause locally and the RSPCA was an easy choice. Why? Well, for a start I’ve had three wonderful pets, all adopted from the RSPCA centre on Bawtry Road (one of them, a big old tabby cat, is snoozing contentedly on the sofa as I type!). On visits to the centre over the years I was always struck by the strong commitment of staff and volunteers to all the animals in their care. So, getting involved seemed a natural step....

What do you get most out of being a trustee?

I would have to say being connected to an organisation that plays such a valuable role in our society and helping in that endeavour, albeit in a small way. Being a trustee provides an opportunity to support and recognise the efforts of the centre managers and all the staff in the valuable work they do to care for, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need. Also, being a trustee is a way of acknowledging the years of pleasure adopted pets have given to me, my family and friends.

Would you recommend being a trustee?

Absolutely. At first, joining the Doncaster and Rotherham branch as a trustee filled me with a sense of trepidation. I needn’t have worried. The established trustees and team managers are so welcoming, tremendously supportive and knowledgeable. Being a trustee is interesting and rewarding. Its also a great way to keep your mind active as you learn more about how the organisation works. You can be flexible with how much time you give too, and there are opportunities to get involved in a variety of ways.