National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Not that we need a reason to celebrate our amazing volunteers, but this week marks National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25).

Normally ARL would commemorate this week with celebratory events at our Boston, Dedham and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers – however we are not living in normal times.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, these events have been postponed, but we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight something that’s at the center of every volunteer – the compassion to join a cause that’s close to their heart.

Volunteers are mission critical for ARL, whether serving as ambassadors for the organization, working with behaviorally-challenged animals, comforting a frightened cat or dog, mucking horse stalls, changing litter boxes, or performing a myriad of other tasks – volunteers achieve countless selfless acts of kindness everyday and ARL is grateful.

In 2019, ARL’s 763 volunteers donated more than 38,000 hours of their time to help animals in need – that’s the equivalent of 18 full-time staff members!

Below are pictures of ARL’s 2019 Volunteer Appreciation Events.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, ARL has limited volunteer access to our Boston, Dedham and Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Centers, but volunteers are still having a tremendous impact on ARL’s ability to weather this storm.

Approximately 160 shelter animals have been placed into ARL’s foster care network since the outbreak of COVID-19, and this act of kindness has multiple benefits.

Animals in foster care receive a respite from the shelter environment, and can benefit from one-on-one interaction to help overcome any behavioral challenges. Additionally, animals in foster care give ARL’s animal care associates a better idea of how the animals behave and act in a home setting.

Additionally, placing these animals into foster care has allowed ARL to free-up kennel space, in the event that animals need to be surrendered or temporarily housed by those affected by COVID-19.

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.

Thank You

ARL looks forward to its annual volunteer appreciation events later this year, but in the meantime we are so grateful to each and every volunteer who helps ARL fulfill its mission to be a Champion for Animals.

If you are interested in volunteering at ARL, please click here for more information and THANK YOU!