Can you give your time to animals?
Our most precious gift to give is our time. Operating the CARE Op Shop, caring for sick, orphaned and vulnerable animals takes a great deal of that, so the team at Community Animal Rescue and Education, known as CARE, is grateful for any you can spare.
The Taupo¯ animal rescue charity is a first port of call for animals in need and tends to more than 500 animals a year, working through animal welfare situations, rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming
“Every animal is precious and is treated as an individual,” says CARE operations manager, Helen Rabinska.
“We have only had to euthanase six animals in the past four years, so we more than meet the no-kill best practice standards and this is what our loyal volunteers and supporters appreciate.”
Due to increasing demand for the rescue’s services, and a number of exciting new projects in development, Helen says CARE really need an additional 30 helpers in the team.
“Just two or three hours a week, any day of the week, is going to make the world of difference.
It’s a great way to meet people, have fun, learn new skills and truly do something meaningful in the community,” she says.
No experience is needed and all training is provided.
The varied positions include op shop customer service, visual merchandisers and donation sorters, administrators, drivers and furniture movers.
“We also need helpers to feed and care for our cats and kittens in the CARE Critter Cube in our op shop.
This takes about one hour and helpers can choose a morning or afternoon slot,” Helen says.
If you are able to offer a safe and nurturing environment to an animal, the rescue is also in urgent need of 15 additional foster families.
All food, bedding and veterinary needs are paid for by the rescue.
“Fostering an animal is one of the most personally rewarding experiences in the world,” says Helen.
“We understand that Christmas is just round the corner and people may not be able to start helping until the New Year. That is fine and we would love people to register their interest now.”
■ To give time to CARE, visit the op shop, complete a form on the rescue’s Facebook page, FB@CARECommunitynz, or call Helen on 07 222 5776.