One of my first volunteering experiences was at an animal sanctuary in Markfield, Leicestershire, which specialises in the care of farm animals. I decided to help out after a friend, also interested in animals, asked if I would like to join her. Redgate was a great place to start my volunteering experience. I was around 15 when I got involved, with a large number of the other volunteers being a similar age it was a great environment. However the sanctuary offers opportunities for people off all ages to get involved.
The sanctuary was formed in 1986 with the aim to care for and re-home abandoned pets and farm animals. They offer work experience and volunteering experiences all year, with volunteers carrying out jobs such as mucking out paddocks, walking dogs, feeding and interacting with the animals. Less hands on aid is also encouraged by members of the public with animal sponsorship, food donations, cleaning products, special events and memberships.
The work done by the sanctuary supports a vast variety of animals from cats, rabbits and dogs, to cows, pigs and horses. I greatly suggest local small organisations, like Redgate as places to get involved in. Much less known than the larger charities, volunteers are generally welcomed and encouraged, but often fewer.
To find out more about Redgate please find their website here: www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/
Alternatively some organisation looking for volunteers can be found here: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/charities/animals/animal-rescue-centres-and-homes
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