If you’re a dog lover who’s wondering what to do with your free time, Jerry Green Dog Rescue can provide the solution.

The charity has a dedicated team of volunteers who support the staff at each of its five centres, but is calling for some additional help in Thirsk, North Yorkshire and Gilberdyke in East Yorkshire.

With a wide range of opportunities available from dog care and community volunteers to office administrators, Jerry Green Dog Rescue is keen to welcome those who can support the charity and its dogs.

One of Thirsk’s current volunteers, Lynne*, began walking the dogs in Jerry Green’s care over four years ago, having previously enjoyed volunteering for the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Lynne said: “I took some time out from volunteering whilst my children were young but, as they grew older, my love of animals and desire to get active again led me to Jerry Green and I love it. Why fork out for a gym membership when there are some lovely dogs to walk for free?”

Lynne, who helps to run a small family farm just outside Thirsk, tries to dedicate some time to walk the Jerry Green dogs each week and values the flexibility that volunteering provides.

She said: “I can’t always spare time on the same day every week, but it’s never a problem if I need to rearrange. The team are very understanding.”

When asked what the best part about volunteering for Jerry Green Dog Rescue is, Lynne said: “Taking the dogs out and about is mutually beneficial; it not only allows me some thinking time and breathing space, it’s also lovely to see how much the dogs appreciate the change of scene.”

The charity has a total of five centres across the region, including Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, Broughton in North Lincolnshire and Algarkirk in Lincolnshire, and aims to find forever homes for more than 800 dogs every year.

In exchange for their time, volunteers are provided with a full induction and ongoing training and support within their chosen role.

Jenny Harris, fundraiser at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “Volunteering at one of our centres provides an opportunity for people to make new friends and gain additional skills and the satisfaction of knowing they’re making a difference to the lives of dogs in need.

“We rely heavily on the outstanding contribution of our volunteers throughout the year and we’re currently hoping to attract new volunteers who can support us during the autumn/winter season.”

With operating costs of £1.5 million, the continual support of staff and volunteers helps the charity address the needs of the dogs in its care, as well as the supporters who offer dogs loving and permanent homes.

For more information about volunteering contact your local Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre. Details can be found on the website: www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk/RescueCentres

Ends

*Lynne has requested that her surname is not published.

Notes to editors:
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue, Catton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4SG
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded in 1961 in Broughton, Lincolnshire and is now one of the UK’s largest dog rescue charities.
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue has a caring ethos which puts the dogs in its care at the centre of everything it does. It also operates a policy whereby prospective adopters are introduced to dogs in a neutral environment away from the kennel, resulting in less stress for the dog and increasing the chances of permanent homes being found.
• The adoption process at Jerry Green Dog Rescue involves a number of introductory visits and the rehoming team provide pre and post adoption support to ensure the move to the dog’s new home is as smooth as possible.
• The charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding. This means it is dependent on the generosity of public and corporate donors/sponsors.

For media information please contact:
Kerri Saxby
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
[jerrygreen99NorthYorksVolunteers]