I have been volunteering at NCAR for about four months now, so I am a relative new-comer. The reason I wanted to volunteer here rather than anywhere else is because animal welfare is very close to my heart.

So to be able to help support the care and attention these deserving animals need helps me feel I have something useful to contribute, as opposed to just standing back and doing nothing.

All the animals deserve a loving home, and it is a good feeling when you see them being adopted by caring new owners who will give them a good life.

In the meantime I know I am helping raise much needed funds for the Rescue to carry on its work by working in the NCAR cafe – Doris’s Bunker.

The cafe is a hub of activity with staff, volunteers and the public coming in for drinks and meals all day long.

It has given me a whole new experience of learning how a cafe works, how to make the drinks, prepare some of the food, keep on top of the washing up, clear tables and more.

I have especially enjoyed the social side of the work; meeting new people both from the Rescue itself and members of the public who come in. It’s good to have a bit of a chat with people, maybe hear about their day, maybe meet their dogs who’ve they’ve brought in with them, as well as people hoping to adopt an animal that day.

In summary, volunteering at NCAR has enriched my life and I could not recommend it more – it’s interesting, constructive and sociable.

Julia

Find out more about becoming a cafe volunteer here