Volunteers keep tails wagging at the RSPCA
RSPCA Australia today saluted the driving force behind the animal-welfare charity, it's thousands of volunteers.
During National Volunteers Week (May 10 - 16) it's time to shine for the 7,780 people who enable the RSPCA to provide more care, shelter and advocacy to improve the lives of animals big and small.
Nationally our volunteers outnumber the RSPCA's paid staff 7 to 1 so it's hard to imagine how we would service the country's animal community without them.
This year's National Volunteers Week theme - Now, more than ever - is particularly fitting for the RSPCA, with the incredible demand on our services growing every year.
In 2009 the RSPCA accepted 156,621 animals from the community and investigated more than 50,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. It's a huge job for a charity that relies on the community for 97% of its national funding.
Volunteers are an integral part of all levels of RSPCA operations - from National and State Councils to the occasional gardener and everything in between.
They assist in most areas, including caring for animals, and working in shops, branches and administration. Many also help out with special events, fundraising and promotions that take place throughout the year.
Whatever their role, our volunteers make an immeasurable donation to the RSPCA by dedicating many hours of their time to helping us achieve our mission - to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care an protection.
The RSPCA could not function at such a high standard without the vital assistance of its volunteers and we thank and value them, now more than ever.
Volunteering facts
- 5.4 million Australians volunteer (34% of the adult population)
- Together they contribute more than 700 million hours to community service annually
- Strongest volunteering age group is 35 - 44
- 50% of volunteers do so because they believe they are helping others
- Volunteer rate is higher outside capital cities (32% to 38%)
- Queensland and the ACT have the highest volunteer participation rate of 38%
Are you interested in being a volunteer for the RSPCA?