In preparation for the busiest time of the year, RSPCA South Australia has today launched a two week  campaign to recruit 50 new volunteers. 

The organisation is experiencing a shortage of helping hands as it cares for almost 900 animals, nearly half  of them at its Lonsdale shelter. The remainder are in supported foster care or in the regional RSPCA  shelters at Whyalla and Port Lincoln. 

At least 60 volunteers are needed to help care for the hundreds of animals at the Lonsdale shelter every day, and an additional 65-plus volunteers are needed each day to help in RSPCA SA’s 13 Op shops. 

According to Julia Churchett, who manages RSPCA SA’s Volunteer Program, the charity has experienced a significant decrease in volunteer numbers post COVID. 

“On some days we’ve had to cope with half the number of volunteers we had on the same date last year,” Ms Churchett says. 

RSPCA Volunteer. Photo by Deborah Simenko

Feedback on the reasons for the declining numbers include a desire to travel (now that Covid restrictions have lifted), as well as personal responsibilities having to take priority, such as care of elderly or unwell  family members and young children. 

Volunteering for a worthy cause is well-recognised as an antidote to feelings of social isolation and provides a sense of purpose and belonging, especially among older people. Health concerns during the  pandemic saw an exodus of older volunteers from most charities including RSPCA, and many are yet to return.  

At RSPCA SA, an increase in the number of animals coming into care as well as an expansion of the charity’s Op shop network have resulted in even greater demand for volunteers. 

“In 2019, we had nine op shops, now we have 13, and our animal intake in the last financial year was a record 9,419 compared to 8,207 the previous year,” Ms Churchett says. 

“Hopefully, this recruitment drive will prompt not only first-timers to sign up but also those who stepped back from helping us during the pandemic’s peak months to come back. 

“We have a job for just about everyone, whether it’s helping care for animals in our shelters, helping at our Op Shops or working as part of our administration and communications teams. 

“Coming into the busy summer months, we guarantee a warm welcome to anyone interested in joining one of our teams – no matter what role you play, it all helps the recovery and rehoming of our state’s most  vulnerable animals.” 

More information on volunteering opportunities with RSPCA SA