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ARL Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week
This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week – a time when the organization can pause and say thank you to the hard work and dedication of these true champions for animals in need.

ARL held three in-person volunteer appreciation week events at ARL’s Boston, Dedham and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers to celebrate and personally thank each and every volunteer at ARL.

In 2022, 1,100 volunteers dedicated over 117,000 hours to help animals in need, while ARL’s 504 foster families opened their hearts and homes to 771 animals!

Volunteers are at the heart of ARL’s mission and are the backbone to the organization’s day-to-day operations.

From feeding animals, cleaning kennels, walking dogs, working with behaviorally challenging animals, sorting through linens and donations, to many other duties, ARL volunteers all bring something unique to the organization, but all have one thing in common – the love and dedication to assisting the animals in ARL’s care in any way possible.

During each of this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Week events, ARL also continued the tradition of handing out a number of awards to volunteers and staff that consistently go above and beyond.

Without further ado, the winners!

VOLUNTEERS

  • Best of Boston: Stephanie Moura (Dorchester)
  • Dedham’s Most Dignified: Anna Holzhauer (Brighton)
  • Cape’d Crusader: Brianna Wall (Brewster)
  • ARL Unsung Hero: Lorna Keith (Waltham)
  • All Other Creatures: Pam Chatis (West Roxbury)
  • Admins Above and Beyond: Judy Mereschuk (Brewster)

FOSTER PARENTS

  • Boston: Molly Montgomery (Cambridge)
  • Dedham: Ning Pan (Newton)
  • Brewster: Linda Heath (South Dennis)

Additionally, volunteers also voted for the following awards for ARL staff: 

  • Boston: Katie Bacall
  • Dedham: Susie McCormick
  • Brewster: Wendi Kelsey

Why Volunteer?

First and foremost, nonprofit organizations like ARL simply could not have such a wide reach to help animals in need without volunteers.

Volunteers are integral members of the ARL family.

But volunteering has benefits beyond caring and participating in such a worthwhile cause.

About 63 million people, or 25% of the U.S. population, donate their time and talents to worthy causes.

In addition to making a difference in the community, volunteering has been shown to improve a person’s health by increasing physical activity, enhancing your mood and decreasing stress.

Another bonus?  The majority of hiring managers nationally see volunteerism as an asset in candidates seeking employment.

Learn more about volunteering at ARL.