International Volunteer Day takes place every year on 5 December. It’s a special day to recognise the contributions of volunteers.
Around the world, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and charities will be celebrating their volunteers whose time, effort and dedication allow them to help millions of people/service users, animals, and the environment.
Without volunteers, many organisations wouldn’t function as they would like to: delivering services at scale or making a big enough difference. At Guide Dogs, we’re no different. We’re incredibly grateful to our 17,000 volunteers who support us in different ways to help people with sight loss to live the life they choose.
For International Volunteer Day, we asked a few volunteer managers who received messages of thanks from Guide Dogs volunteers in celebration of International Volunteer Managers Day (last month) to reciprocate. This is what they had to say.
“Thank you to Pat and John for their lovely message. They are both fantastically dedicated puppy raisers and always support Guide Dogs in any way that we ask of them — from fostering and puppy raising to attending media and fundraising events. Their enthusiasm and passion for the role are infectious, and they always take the time to thank us for organising training events for volunteers and pups to attend. When it comes to raising a guide dog puppy, Pat and John have done wonders: they worked hard on a separation anxiety plan with one pup called Bailey who has since qualified. And current pup Beth has overcome car sensitivity with their consistent help. Thank you, Pat and John.” — Jenny Mee, Puppy Development Supervisor
“I would like to thank Janet Smith and the Chippenham fundraising group for their amazing work and efforts over the last eight years. It’s such a pleasure to work with a hugely passionate, committed and proactive group. I know and trust them to be the best ambassadors in the community. Thank you, Janet and the team!” — Gemma Spencer, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager
“It’s clear to us all that Natasha genuinely loves the fostering role. She shows great empathy, supporting the dogs as they go through a change and settle into her home. She takes the time to get to know them as individuals and always buys each of her foster dogs a special cuddly toy which then moves with them to their forever home. For Misty (pictured), this was a giant rooster toy which made her guide dog owner laugh, especially as Misty is quite petite!
“Natasha understands that our volunteers form an integral part of a large team which works together to create our partnerships. She helps me as the dog's trainer by supporting their training, and she’s always keen to improve her dog handling skills further. She has even helped us to recruit more volunteers in her local area. It's lovely to see how proud Natasha is when we update her on her dog's milestones and journey, and I’m so glad that she finds the fostering role so enjoyable and rewarding.” — Faith Halliday, Academy Guide Dog Mobility Specialist
I feel very honoured to have received this message of thanks. I always strive to support volunteers as much as I can, so receiving this recognition means a lot to me. I was lucky enough to meet Sharon and Simon Wallenberg six years ago when they received their first puppy, Varney. In that time, their contributions to Guide Dogs and to me personally, have been invaluable and I couldn’t have fulfilled my role without their support. Furthermore, Sharon and Simon have also created a thriving community of puppy raisers and fosterers in their local area, as well as providing additional support to volunteers throughout my scheme, whether it’s a cup of coffee and a chat or reassurance at puppy class they have been there to help. Thank you for being such an essential part of the team.” — Leanne Kelly, Puppy Development Advisor
“Thank you, Sarah! It has been a pleasure getting to know you and welcoming you to our team at Southampton, we love the energy that you bring to the role and having a good laugh with you while we work. You have jumped straight in and shown great initiative, always finding something to do to help out – this doesn’t go unnoticed! We love having you as part of our team and we would be lost without you.” — Natalie Johnston, Dog Wellbeing Technician – Team Leader
“Jo and Jerry are fosterers for Guide Dogs and primarily have buddy dogs who are waiting to be placed with their families. Jo has had quite the selection of dogs now! All have been very different and with individual needs and requirements. Between us, we have many stories we could share! Jo welcomes each dog into her home and provides them with excellent care and brilliant experiences. I am so grateful to Jo and so glad she is a part of our team. Thank you, Jo, Jerry and T for being absolutely awesome!” — Rachel Graham, Buddy Dog Partnership Specialist
“I've had the pleasure of being Susan's Puppy Development Advisor for well over a year now. Susan's dedication and hard work with all her pups is commendable. Susan adapts to each new puppy’s personality and deals with the inevitable trickier aspects of the role with a 'can do' attitude. Her puppy enjoys lots of love, cuddles, toys, and new experiences. I can't thank her enough. She has also helped temporarily raise a pup before he moved to his longer-term home, and she gave him a stellar start. He is now a working guide dog, and we all know those first weeks are so important. Thank you, Susan, for all you do for us at Guide Dogs.” — Rebecca Stranney, Puppy Development Advisor
“This is a big thank you to Sue Powell in the Mid Wiltshire group. When Sue needs help or advice, I’m always more than happy to help and lead her in the right direction with her volunteer and fundraising roles. Sue has always had such a warm and caring nature, and she is dedicated to helping people living with sight loss – it’s a pleasure working with her, thanks Sue!” — Gemma Spencer, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager
“I’ve been fortunate enough to work for many years with Guide Dogs as a Puppy Development Advisor and an integral part of my role is working with volunteers. I’ve been asked many times; what qualities are we looking for in a puppy raiser? This is a very difficult to answer, but in my experience, dedication even when things are getting tough, especially in those early days of having a small puppy: a sense of humour, finding solutions and the ability to go out of their comfort zone. Being passionate and optimistic, taking the extra effort to support their puppies and other puppy raisers, embracing whatever comes their way and the ability to take on new challenges and training.
“What I find amazing is that we find people who want to be part of this amazing journey to support future guide dogs and the emotional sacrifice that every puppy raiser and fosterer goes through. I’m privileged to have a whole puppy raising scheme of dedicated volunteers who amaze me every single day. I truly couldn’t do my job without them and it is a privilege to work with each one of them. Thank you.” — Barbara ‘Boo’ Clark, Puppy Development Advisor
