First Volunteer Evening of 2014 an over flowing success

Submitted by GSPCA on 08:55, 16th Jan, 2014 | 0

Last night we held the first of our Volunteer Evenings of 2014 and it turned out to be the busiest we have ever held.

With over 30 new faces learning about the GSPCA and being inducted into how to work safely as a volunteer many laughs were had and serious notes learnt.

Despite a wet windy evening the 30 plus group were very cosy at the Shelter enjoying a hot drink while GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne welcomed them and gave the talk and presentation.

Of the group 28 were seriously interested in volunteering and each spoke to Steve individually about the opportunities and when they could help. Dates were set and from ages of 14 to those in their autumn years many were interested in helping in the many animal sections of the Shelter.

Some interested in helping towards their Duke of Edingburgh, others to help with schemes through their schools and many looking to help because of their passion and interest in helping animals in Guernsey.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'It was amazing to start the first 2014 Volunteer Evening with so many keen new individuals wanting to help us help animals in Guernsey.'

'The weather really was awful last night and for such a good turn out we are so pleased and really looking forward to getting everyone started.'

'Most are starting from Sunday and throughout next week but we are always looking for volunteers.'

'We ideally need more help between Monday and Friday and we would love to recruit volunteers interested in helping on our reception desk and with our many fund raising events.'

'We would also love to find a volunteer who would like to help with organising our growing volunteer team and ensure all of their forms are processe and entered into our systems here at the Shelter.'

'We want to thank all that came along last night and look forward getting everyone involved.'

We have other volunteer evenings planned through 2014 and to find out more please click here.

To donate to Trinity and Eden two seal pups Big Fish Appeal please call 01481 257261, pop along to the Animal Shelter in St Andrews, by post or by clicking the link below.

We will of course keep you up to date with Trinity and Edens progress and keep your eyes open for pictures and videos.

If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition but here is some advice.

A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.

Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.

If a Seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.

If a Seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night

When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:

Exact location; nearest town / village
Position on the beach, and state of the tide
How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
Length/colour/condition.

Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.

To see some of the previous stories follow the links below

Seal Rescue to Save Jethou Bumblebee 25th November 2012

Hanois the grey seal pup rescued on Saturday by GSPCA staff 7th January 2013

Jethou Bumblebee & Hanois the rescued grey seal pups back in the wild 18th April 2013

The Rescue of Trinity the Seal Pup 9th January 2014

To see our new online shop please click here.

There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.

Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?

The following are events planned for 2014

Date	Event
Opening Hours	Reception, General Enquires & Pet Shop opens 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday (Closed Sunday) Boarding Drop Off & Collection 11am – 4.30pm Monday – Saturday Emergency Helpline – 24 hours a day	For contact details - http://www.gspca.org.gg/contact
6^th January 2014	2014 Guernsey School Term starts
13^th January 2014	New Animal Care and Welfare Course starts with 2014	For details please click here
Wednesday 15^th January 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
10^th February 2014 7.30pm	Annual General Meeting
10^th February 2014	GSPCA Purple Week	For more details please go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-purple-week
Friday 14^th February 2014	GSPCA is 141 years old
Sunday 17^th February 2014	Dog Basic First Aid & Care Training Course with the GSPCA – Minimum donation of £15 per person	Other dates to be planned
17^th – 22^nd February 2014	Half Term and Open Week at the GSPCA. Our Training and Event Room will be open with items for sale, refreshments and animals in need of homes on view.
Wednesday 26^th February 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
Sunday 2^nd March 2014	Cat Basic First Aid & Care Training Course with the GSPCA – Minimum donation of £15 per person
1^st April – 5^th May 2014	National Pet Adoption Month
Wednesday 2^nd April 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
Friday 4^th April 2014	World Stray Day - Come see our stall in Market Square, St Peter Port	Date and details to be finalised
7^th – 22^nd April 2014	Guernsey Easter Term Break
Monday 28^th April – 4^th May 2014	GSPCA Cupcake Week	For more details please click here
5^th – 11^th May 2014	Rabbit Awareness Week
9^th May 2014	Liberation Day – We are hoping to have a stall at the event in St Peter Port	http://www.guernseyliberationday.com/
Wednesday 14^th May 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
1^st – 30^th June 2014	Microchip Month
To be confirmed - Sunday 1^st June 2014	GSPCA Summer Dog Show	Date and details to be finalised
Sunday 7^th June 2014	Itex Walk – in 2013 we were lucky enough to be one of the nominated charities	http://www.itexwalk.gg/
Sunday 15^th June 2014	Fathers Day Half Marathon – Do you fancy running for the GSPCA? To create your Just Giving sponsored event page please go to - http://www.justgiving.com/gspca	http://guernseyathletics.org.gg/half/
27^th – 29^th June 2013	Chaos Music Festival – Come see our stall at this wonderful annual music event
Wednesday 2^nd July 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
19^th July – 31^st August 2014	Guernsey Summer Term Break
8^th – 9^th August 2014	South Show - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
13^th – 14^th August 2014	West Show - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
16^th August 2014	It’s A Knockout - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
20^th – 21^st August 2014	North Show - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
23^rd August 2014	Donkey Derby - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
24^th August 2014	Guernsey Waterfront Marathon – Do you fancy running for the GSPCA? To create your Just Giving sponsored event page please go to - http://www.justgiving.com/gspca	http://www.guernseymarathon.gg/
Possibly 30^th August 2014	GSPCA Flag Day - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event	Date and details to be finalised
Wednesday 3^rd September 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
To be confirmed - September 2014	Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday	Date and details to be finalised
Saturday 4^th October 2014	World Animal Day - Come see our stall in Market Square, St Peter Port	Date and details to be finalised
To be confirmed - Saturday 4^th October 2014	World Animal Day – PAWS for a pint an event around local pubs, bars and restaurants in Guernsey	Date and details to be finalised
Sunday 5^th October 2014	Animal Castle	More details to follow
Wednesday 24^th October 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
To be confirmed - November 2014	Halloween Style Fun Dog Show & Pet Picture Show	Date and details to be finalised
27^th October – 2^nd November 2014	Guernsey Half Break Term
To be confirmed - November 2014 or there abouts	GSPCA Halloween/Winter Ball	Date and details to be finalised
November 2014	Round Table Christmas Fayre	Date and details to be finalised
Wednesday 26^th November 2014	Volunteer Induction Evening at the GSPCA from Starts 6.30pm Finishes 8pm	For information on Volunteering please click here
Thursdays in December 2014	Stall in St Peter Port for the Late Night Shopping
22^nd December 2014	Guernsey Christmas Term Break starts
Sunday 14^th December 2014	GSPCA Christmas Themed Santa Style Dog Sponsored Walk. To create your Just Giving sponsored event page please go to - http://www.justgiving.com/gspca

To find out about how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, Events, our Cattery Appeal and much more please click here.