VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Hi, my name is Avril, and I have been an Animal Aid volunteer for over a year. My husband and I have two daughters, the older of whom has been living in London for 3 years. The younger lives in Rowville and is to be married in 6 months time. We also have 2 dogs Pepi and Gabi, who are brother and sister and very good company for me.
Once my girls were at school I returned to work in merchandise and office duties. For 5 years we had a lolly shop in Knox City (and it's not true when people say you can get sick of eating chocolate!!!) When my daughters left home and I gave up paid work, I found I had some time on my hands - not a lot, but enough to do some voluntary work. I have had dogs all my life and am a dedicated animal lover, so Animal Aid was an obvious choice. I have been helping in the office for a year now, doing general office/computer work. I am also a volunteer at the Maroondah Hospital Kiosk and with a Genealogy project making UK censuses available on line. I also regularly 'baby-sit' my daughter's two Ridgeback/Great Danes - Tyson and Jax, who fortunately get on well with my own two dogs. When I have time, I try to go to the gym hoping to get fit but don't really enjoy it - although I do like Pilates and Body Balance. I look forward to my half-day a week at Animal Aid and get pleasure knowing that I am doing something for animals that really need help. The staff are dedicated and do a wonderful job and I am happy to give them as much help as I can.
 Peter is another one of our invaluable 'can do' volunteers. He works quietly in the background as a member of our Fundraising Committee in his very practical, no-nonsense way.
Peter works full time as Co-Director and Production Manager of a furniture manufacturing business, yet finds the time to deliver wood shavings for the litter trays, carry equipment for Dogs Day Out and carry out many other helpful tasks.
In Peter's words "Animal Aid is an extraordinary organisation that is achieving major breakthroughs in animal welfare, and I encourage other business people to get involved. It is amazing how so little can go so far in this organisation".
Promotional Team Volunteer, Barbara Blackney.
As a volunteer on the promotional team, I enjoy being out and about at local shows, shopping centres and the Melbourne Pet Expo, talking to people about the Animal Aid, giving out information and selling merchandise. I have found that most people fall into two groups: They have either heard about Animal Aid and are interested in learning more about its work, or they are ‘old friends’ of the shelter and have stories to tell of their own experiences and much loved pets who have been adopted from the Shelter. It is a privilege to be able to promote the Shelter and tell people of the great care given to all the animals by the staff and volunteers on a daily basis.
| 
