HELP THE CENTRE
There are many ways in which you
can help the Centre. Obviously the most tangible way is to give one of the
residents a loving and caring home, however, it is a regrettable fact that
for every animal that is re-homed, there is another waiting to take their
place. Another important way to help is to give a donation of either money
or goods, such as food, blankets and toys, but we do understand that
sometimes this is not possible.
So, if you do wish to contribute,
but cannot afford a gift, you could always donate something that costs
nothing - TIME !
What this involves and to what extent is entirely
down to you. Below are some examples of where you could help, but the smallest
things can really make life a lot more bearable for the animals the Centre cares
for.
Cleaning pens - All of the guests at the Centre have basic needs and of
course this generates a rota of constant housekeeping. For the comfort and
hygiene of the animals, staff and visitors it is vital that the cleaning
takes place on a daily basis and there are a group of unsung hero's who help
the staff complete this work. Whether you can spare several mornings every
week or just a day a month, every bit of help would be appreciated.
Gardening, Maintenance & Decorating - The Centre and its facilities are
obviously subject to the rigors of nature and to help maintain a pleasant
environment for all, there is an on going maintenance schedule, executed by
Centre staff and outside contractors. Remember that every item of work
carried out by a volunteer will save money that can be spent on animal
welfare, so if you are a budding Alan Titchmarsh, Bob The Builder or simply
someone who likes to potter around, there is always something to do!
Experience & Expertise - On a regular basis, the Friends are kindly
given a huge variety of items to be sold at our fund raising events, most of
which is traditional "bric-a-brac". Obviously there are times when we
receive things that are potentially worth more than just a few pence or
pounds. A typical example was when, a few months ago, the Friends were given
a horse figurine which transpired to be a Beswick piece worth several
hundred pounds. Fortunately the Friends were made aware of its value early
on. However there will have been many occasions when items of value have
slipped through our fingers into the hands of "professionals" who come early
and scour the stalls at Fun Day, etc. So, if you have knowledge of a
particular subject either as an expert, or just as a keen amateur, the
Friends be grateful for your assistance prior to putting items up for sale.
Areas of interest may include books, records, pictures and ornamentals
although you never really know what may turn up. We don't profess to offer
you an antiques road show but one day we could find the real Harrison No.7
!!!
Repairs & Renovation - In the example of the Beswick Horse, the Centre
had to enlist the services of a local expert to carry out minor repairs in
order to maximise the auction potential. He was generous enough to undertake
this for free and the Centre is looking for people with similar skills to
help in this area, to anything from ceramics or fabrics to books or even
furniture.
Help with Fund Raising Events
- Every year the Friends organise a number of fund raising events, the largest
being Fun Day in June, but also including our Christmas Fayre and other
smaller affairs. Volunteers are always needed to assist in every area, be it
looking after a stall, taking entrance money, raising sponsorship or just
simply "helping out"!!
Saleable Items - If you can't spare time on the day, you can still help
by making or providing low cost saleable items such as: homemade jam,
plants, cakes & pies, knitwear, framed drawings/pictures/photographs, bird
boxes. The list is endless!!!
Donations & Sponsorship
- You can really help by generating our most valuable contributions -
cash! This can be done in many ways, from simply having a donation box at work
or over the bar at your local pub or club to holding your own sponsored event in
aid of "The Friends". If you have any ideas about fund raising we would be
pleased to offer advice and support.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO OFFER YOUR SERVICES
IN ANY
CAPACITY PLEASE
CONTACT THE
CENTRE (for details click
here) |