There are usually over three hundred animals in SARA at any one time. Taking care of this many animals costs SARA around 500 euros per day so you can see why we need help both financially and physically.
Ideally, a shelter with this many animals needs a minimum staff membership of 30 (one for every ten animals) but we somehow exist with only 5 employees and 1 vet. You wouldn’t believe how little we pay these people and the majority have taken on extra jobs just to live. We cannot afford to take on anymore staff and therefore rely heavily on volunteers to cope with the shortfall of manpower.
Many people say they would like to help but it would upset them to work inside the shelter or their advanced years has brought ailments that prevent them from walking dogs, lifting heavy boxes etc. Another reason is that they cannot commit themselves to a regular time/day etc. These reasons are understandable but not insurmountable. There are so many other ways you can help. Take a look at the following list and see if there is something that suits you.
'Vacancies'
If you like gardening, there is a small area at the entrance to SARA that needs tending. Not vastly important for the welfare of the animals but, if done by a volunteer, it frees up a member of staff to concentrate on caring for the animals.
Time: One morning per month
We need a regular supply of digital photos for both our records and for publicity. Once again, this will free up a member of staff. It is better with two people working together but not essential.
Time: Once a fortnight
There are many collection boxes dotted around the island but we always need more. Why not find locations in your area for a new box. Boxes can be provided in English, Spanish, German or multi-lingual. You would have to collect them when full and take them into SARA for emptying and counting.
Time: Once every three months
There are a lot of posters that need displaying around the island for various fund raising events or campaigns. You could help us by putting up posters in your area; we need all the publicity we can get.
Time: Once a month
If you wish to help out with the animals, you may be interested in the following:
The shortage of staff at SARA means that the animals miss out on special treats etc. Why not give them a little pampering with a lovely bath or shower. The long haired breeds especially need a good grooming every now and again. You know it makes you feel good!
Time: Whenever you can
Kittens born to feral mothers will stay feral, and therefore cannot be
re-homed, if they are not socialised and played with at an early age. Why not come and have a cuddle and give our kittens a good start in life. It’s fun for all!!
Time: Whenever you can
Maybe you might like something a little more “hands on”
As you can imagine, there is quite a lot of washing to be done at the shelter. We now have five large machines which are constantly on the go. If this is done daily we can keep on top of it but we need a few more pairs of hands.
Time: Three hours, once a week
The shelter is very old and always in need of repair. There are plenty of small jobs for a willing pair of hands. We will provide the materials.
Time: Once a week or fortnightly
A lot of our funds come from car boot sales and markets. We need helpers to serve on these stalls, people to sort out the donated goods and strong people to set out and put away the tables. There are many more events we could attend IF we had the necessary helpers. We are missing out on generating much needed funds, can you spare us a little of your time?
Time: One morning, once a month
Meeting
We have an afternoon meeting of all our volunteers once a month at the Gravy Boat in Costa Teguise. We sort out the
rota's for the following month etc so everyone knows what they have to do. We try and keep it light hearted so it is an excuse for a chat and also indulge in some light refreshment be it a cool shandy or some naughty but nice coffee and cream cake. If you wish to join us (even if you can only put up a few posters) you would be very welcome – the more the merrier, please
contact us via the contact page if
you're interested in attending.
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