Yesterday the GSPCA welcomed its first ever group of Voluntourists.
10 holiday makers from the Crystal Serenity spent much of yesterday learning about and helping animals in Guernsey.
The first ever trip of its kind at the Shelter included 8 Americans and 2 Chinese.
They arrived at the Shelter around 10am where GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne took them on a tour of the Shelter so they could get their bearings and to find out about the work we do and the history of the GSPCA as well as a little about Guernsey.
After the guided tour each were given a GSPCA Polo Shirt (these are on sale on our web shop) as part of the trip package, a quick photo was taken whilst they were clean and they met the team and were partnered with Annie, Yvonne, Sheryl, Sarah, Jo, Collette and Helen Sharman to help around the site.
From walking dogs to socialising cats, cleaning hedgehogs to mucking out kennels, hand feeding baby birds to cleaning hoglet bottoms everyone got involved helping around the Shelter.
When asked what they enjoyed most here were some of the comments:
"Seeing all the wonderful facilities." "Wonderful staff and Steve, all so pleasant." Chuck & Kay Pasten, California
"We enjoy animals and have volunteered at SPCA's in the US." "We wanted to do something helpful and worthwhile on our vacation." "Staff were terrific." Mark Fitter, California
"I thought it would be a fun thing to do." "The staff was very nice to be around."
"EVERYTHING!" "It was amazing!" Sasha Zitter, California
"Working with and walking the dogs." from Oakland
"We love animals." "The people were very kind and very knowledgeable." "We also really got to do a lot." "Loved it, wish there were more such opportunities."
"I brought my daughter come with me because it is meaningful to her." "Yes we enjoyed it." Kiki Shen, Shanghai
All of the voluntourists were very kind and shared lovely sentiments with the GSPCA about their short time at the GSPCA.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "What a fantastic day we all had at the GSPCA yesterday meeting such a wonderful group from the Crystal Serenity."
"After a short tour and history lesson not just about the GSPCA, but also about Guernsey as this was everyone's first trip to our beautiful island the 10 holiday makers or should I say vacationers were set to work to help the team care for the 200 animals on site."
"Some had helped and visited SPCA's in their home country, but it was amazing and very kind to hear that those helping thought the GSPCA was the nicest they had ever been to."
"We have a fantastic team of volunteers that help support the staff at the GSPCA and we often have team and group days, but this was the first Voluntourism trip and we will certainly be looking at more in the future with the next set in two weeks time."
"We contacted Intercruises after hearing them talk about Voluntourism on the BBC Guernsey JKT show and we are extremely glad that we did as we all had a great day and also raised funds for the many animals in our care."
"From all the GSPCA team a thanks to all that came yesterday it was lovely to meet everyone and thank you for all the help."
To see pictures from the day please click here.
There are many ways a business can get involved with the GSPCA and to find out how your business can get involved please click here.
To see more on volunteering at the GSPCA please click here.
To visit the Guernsey Volunteers website please click here.
We are currently looking for teams to register and get involved with the Giant Animal Welfare Mascot It's a Knockout Race on Sunday 14th September. For details please click here.
To download a brochure all about the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday please
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We have lots of animals in need of homes. Could you help us advertise them? To download a the posters please click here. or to share them on social media please click here.
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By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
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