Kildare Rescue Tails: Charity couldn’t survive without our volunteers
Reggie the dog enjoying quality time with volunteer Anne
AS A registered charity, the KWWSPCA depends so very much on the generosity of the public to carry out its work.
This comes in the form of monetary contributions, unwanted gifts donated to us to sell on, used items that can be sold in our charity shop, Noah’s Ark, in Newbridge or even dog/cat food and pet products (used or new). We get some cleaning products donated to assist with good hygiene at the shelter to prevent infection, old newspapers for all our non-toilet trained animals, fleece blankets for comfy and easily cleaned bedding and even recyclable plastic bottles and cans where we can claim the refund.
There are umpteen other ways in which the charity is helped, aside from our own fundraising efforts. Recently, for example, the members of No 1 Fitness in Kilcullen completed a 24-hour cycling challenge at Mondello Park and subsequently presented us with a cheque for €6,200 raised from very generous sponsorship. Donations like this are fantastic when faced with an annual veterinary bill not too far off €300,000!
However, without our fantastic volunteers who give so much of their time, all this fundraising would be pointless. We have amazingly dedicated people working from early morning until late evening for no pay or expenses whatsoever. Their reward is caring for these helpless dogs and cats, who unfortunately find themselves in dire situations but at the end of their journey with KWWSPCA will have a bright future.
The volunteers work in difficult weather conditions without complaint (mostly!) to ensure the animals are cared for 365 days of the year. Mostly just rewarded with a cuddle for their efforts, our volunteers are dedicated no matter what the job entails, be it a good walk, a game of fetch, a clean fresh kennel or cat cage, a nice dinner, medication administered or even a bit of grooming.
Pictured here is one of our current residents, Reggie, enjoying some one-on-one grooming time with our volunteer, Anne. If you think volunteering might suit you, either with the dogs, cats or in our shop, then please read the ‘Get Involved’ section of our website.
