Volunteers urgently needed to help veterinary charity back on its paws - The Solihull Observer

Volunteers urgently needed to help veterinary charity back on its paws

Solihull Editorial 16th Jul, 2020   0

VOLUNTEERS are urgently needed to support the Solihull PDSA charity shop, which reopened last month.

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on the animal charity’s fundraising activities and has led to a huge drop in income.

The shop, located on Hobbs Moat Road, raises funds to treat vulnerable sick and injured pets.

PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, has been losing £3million per month since the start of the pandemic – and it hopes the reopening of its shops will provide a welcome funding boost.




Social distancing measures were put in place ahead of the reopening, and the charity hopes local animal lovers with spare time on their hands will join the team.

Lloyd Hughes, PDSA’s head of retail, said: “Our shop in Solihull is one of the first PDSA shops in the UK to reopen and it’s been lovely to see so many familiar faces again. We’ve been overwhelmed by the community’s support.


“Even in a pandemic, pets get sick or injured. But there’s been an enormous impact on our ability to raise funds, so we’re appealing to anyone who feels they have something to offer to help the lives of poorly pets to get in touch and find out more about volunteering for PDSA.

“You might currently be furloughed and looking for a rewarding way to spend your time, or perhaps you’re looking for experience to boost your CV and improve your future employment prospects.

“Our volunteers join us for all manner of different reasons and everyone is welcome.

“Full training is provided so, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a retail novice or an expert in sales and merchandising, there’s a role for everyone at PDSA and we’d love to hear from you.”

Volunteers are provided with personal protective equipment where appropriate.

PDSA provides free and low-cost veterinary treatment to pets in need. It costs £60million every year to provide this service, all funded by public support.

Call 0121 742 4352 or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteer for more information.

The shop is also welcoming donations of clothes, accessories and homewares.

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