SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Urgent SOS for volunteers at Ferne Animal Sanctuary

THE Ferne Animal Sanctuary is making an urgent appeal for more volunteers to come forward to help across all areas of the charity, particularly in their retail shops.

A particular area of need for help is the charity’s three shops in Chard, Bridport and recently opened Langport.

Ferne’s volunteer co-ordinator, Amanda Thornton, said: “Ferne Animal Sanctuary relies on our dedicated team of volunteers, without whom we would not be able to care for the unwanted animals that find themselves here.

“We urgently need volunteers in all areas of the Sanctuary, especially in our charity shops based in Chard, Langport and Bridport. If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to be part of a friendly team we would be delighted to hear from you.

“We also need volunteers at the Sanctuary, at Wambrook near Chard, to help in our new rehoming centre reception, the café and the finance department. In addition, we need help at all our events, particularly our community dog shows.

“Volunteering can be a very rewarding, worthwhile experience so please do contact me.”

People can contact Amanda by phoning 01460-65214 or email volunteering@ferneanimalsanctuary.org. You don’t need have any previous experience – just a friendly personality with a passion for animal welfare.

PHOTO – TOP: Staff at the Bridport charity shop with manager Yvette Dias, shop volunteer Matt Skinner, Ferne’s volunteer co-ordinator Amanda Thornton, and volunteer Gemma Beaton.

Yvette Dias, manager of the Bridport shop, said: “Here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary Bridport, we are all a part of a valuable team, even down to our regular customers who love to chat and keep up on news about how certain animals are doing at the Sanctuary. They even bring their own dogs in to say ‘hello’.

“There is a diverse amount of work involved such as sorting books, DVD’s and CD’s and steaming clothes, operating the till and keeping the shop together. Our donations come in all shapes and sizes and it is always intriguing to see what you might find at the bottom of a bag or box!

“Sometimes a volunteer can be at the front of it all, helping and advising customers and then other times, can be behind the scenes processing donations - both equally important parts of volunteering.

“Every volunteer is really valued at Ferne Animal Sanctuary regardless of their abilities and talents; because everything they do will help the animals at the Sanctuary live a happy and full life.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a registered Charity open to the public all year round, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. They rely solely on donations.

To find out how to volunteer and learn more about all their upcoming events including their 75th Anniversary Ball on September 19, 2015, at Woodlands Castle, Taunton, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org or call 01460-65214.

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