Volunteering and fostering for RSPCA ACT is not glamorous. It is not easy, and it can, at times be downright challenging.
We are an organisation always under pressure, with not enough resources to go round. Our mission, although pure, is one of the most complex and difficult to achieve.
We get blamed for other people’s actions, or inaction when it comes to animals. We get to see the animals of our region when they are broken. Discarded. Living rough. Unwanted.
The Volunteering work that needs doing can be physically and mentally demanding. Fostering and caring for animals and cleaning up their spaces can be dirty, stinky work. It is also relentless. There are ALWAYS more animals needing help. It can be hard knowing so many are suffering.
Our work can attract vicious commentary from those who don’t have the facts, and sometimes, we can take a beating on social media. It is not uncommon for our team to be scratched up and to bleed a little (literally and metaphorically speaking).
Being part of the RSPCA ACT team means that your heart is bound to be broken, frequently. You will also fall in love, frequently, whether it is with a teeny spicey furball, a cheeky scaly critter, a ‘big brown eyes’ looking at you through the kennel or a fluffed up feathered beauty sitting on their perch.
These animals, big and small, will remain in your thoughts long after they have been adopted, or left this world. They will forever occupy a space in your heart.
Despite these challenges more than 500 incredible humans selflessly choose to volunteer (including fostering) for RSPCA ACT.
Our Volunteers and Foster Carers sign up, and don’t walk away from the difficulties and the challenges. They stare them down and find a way to overcome. If it rains, they put on a raincoat (again, literally and metaphorically speaking) because bad weather is not going to stop them from doing what needs to be done.
Our “Vollies” are not here for the cushy roles. They are not here for just the sunshine days. They are not here for the glamour.
Our Volunteers and Fosters give of themselves, generously. Some give themselves every day. Weekends. Sacrificing sleep or family time. Our foster carers open their homes.
Each month, we receive 1,400 hours gifted to us through Volunteering. This does not include the full-time care provided by our Foster Carers.
We have such an incredible team of Volunteers and Foster Carers, because they genuinely love animals. They genuinely care enough and want to make the world a better place for animals. They truly care and believe in the work we do.
RSPCA ACT Volunteers SHOW UP, fully and wholeheartedly.
It’s because our Volunteers consistently show up, that together we ARE making the world a better place for animals. We ARE changing lives for the better. We ARE alleviating pain and suffering. We ARE helping people be better pet owners.
Some things in life are up for debate. But not this: the work of our Volunteers, and their dedication and support fundamentally making the lives of animals better.
If you are a Volunteer, please know that we think you are amazing, wonderful and super special. YOUR contribution is essential. Your gift of your time and your talents are appreciated.
You make a real difference to animals and truly do make our part of the world a better place for humans and animals alike - and that is an immutable fact.
Therefore, this Volunteer week, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all you do, despite the challenges and difficulties along the way.
