Given that RSPCA Queensland has lost 16 per cent of their volunteer workforce since the pandemic, the charity is issuing an urgent callout to the public to renew interest in volunteering.
Highlighting that volunteering positively impacts the lives of animals, people, and the community, it is sad for the charity to see some of its shelters and op shops have volunteer interest drop to an all-time low, with numbers post-pandemic not recovering for the charity.
Once with over 2000 dedicated animal lovers donating their time every week, more volunteers would mean more support for animals in RSPCA care.
RSPCA Queensland is highlighting key volunteer positions which urgently need to be filled across the state:
– All shelters need animal care volunteers including Bundaberg.
– Laundry volunteers.
– RSPCA Op Shop volunteers across all stores.
A recent report from Volunteering Australia highlights a severe downturn in volunteer numbers across the country with volunteering throughout organisations declining nationally over time.
People aged 18 years and over, volunteering has declined from 36.2 per cent in 2010 to 28.8 per cent in 2019, while in Queensland, 26.6 per cent of respondents to a survey stated they had volunteered in the previous 12 months compared to 34.9 per cent in Western Australia and 30.4 per cent in Tasmania.
Dedicated volunteer Jessica Carey, 17, has donated over 700 hours of her time to RSPCA Queensland.
She grew up finding comfort in animals and is part of the next generation of devoted volunteers who are hoping to inspire their peers to get involved.
Jessica said that unfortunately over the past few months she had not seen as many volunteers come in.
“It does make it super hard as it means we do not get to spend quality time with each animal, as we have so many to look after,“ she said.
“Something that brings me happiness while volunteering is seeing the many sick and neglected animals finally get adopted after working with them for so long.
“Also taking foster animals’ home and giving them the love and care they deserve.”
To see a full list of RSPCA volunteer roles available and sign up, visit .rspcaqld.org.au/volunteer
