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Corporate Volunteering

Welcome to the RSPCA Victoria Volunteer Program

RSPCA Victoria welcomes the involvement of Corporate Volunteers and has an established program in place at both our Burwood and Peninsula sites.  This page focuses on the Burwood East site, to learn more about corporate volunteering at Peninsula information, please click here.  The contribution of Corporate Volunteers enhances the RSPCA’s operations by providing much-needed practical assistance.

How do I get involved?

The RSPCA Victoria has a number of established Corporate Partners actively participating in this program.  Please check with your employer to see if an arrangement is already in place.

New Corporate partners are welcomed at the RSPCA. Please see below for more information:

• Prior to an activity being arranged, new Corporate partners must review the Corporate Volunteering Agreement. A representative with appropriate authority to sign off on behalf of all staff from your organisation must approve of the Agreement.

• The RSPCA requires confirmation that the participating company offers Workcover insurance for its Corporate Volunteers via a RSPCA Corporate Volunteer Agreement

• Organisations need to provide a central contact person to manage their staff enquiries.

• An established calendar of activities is in place.  For enquiries regarding available activities please contact Lisa Bretnall on lbretnall@rspcavic.org.au.

What sorts of activities can I do?

The RSPCA is conscious of best work practice and safety for volunteers and the animals in our care. Due to the limited time involved in corporate volunteering days and the training and supervision required to handle animals, we are unable to offer opportunities to work directly with animals. A tour of the property is included in most Corporate Volunteer activities and this provides an opportunity to see the animals.

Retail
Suitable for 1 – 3 volunteers

Assisting the Retail Department with a variety of tasks including; labelling pet care products, stocking shelves, data entry, stock takes and general administration tasks. Volunteers must be capable of working on their feet and some light lifting is involved.

Administration
Suitable for 1 – 5 volunteers depending on the task

The RSPCA sometimes requires assistance with bulk mailouts and administration tasks relating to fundraising/campaigns or events.

Maintenance/gardening
Suitable for 6 – 10 volunteers

Involves working on the grounds of the RSPCA Burwood site. Tasks may include minor maintenance and painting tasks or gardening (weeding garden beds, watering, mulching etc). Full supervision will be provided. Volunteers must be capable of physical work.

Special Events
Suitable for up to 30 volunteers depending on the event

Major events (usually on weekends) such as All Creatures Day in March,  and the Million Paws Walk in May, require assistance with event set-up. There is also capacity for assistance on the event day helping with BBQ’s, parking marshals etc.

Skilled Projects

On occasions the RSPCA requires the assistance of Corporate Volunteers with specialist skills to assist with project- based work.  If you would like to discuss opportunities to offer your skills and you have employer support to get involved, please contact Lisa Bretnall, Volunteer Co-ordinator on lbretnall@rspcavic.org.au or 03 9224 2283.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we get to see the animals?

Unless otherwise advised, Corporate Volunteers will be offered a tour of the premises. Tours cover our Shelter and Clinic facilities and you will have the opportunity to have some contact with animals in the adoption areas.

Will someone show me what to do?

All Corporate Volunteers have a supervisor and will be shown the tasks to be completed. A supervisor will be available at all times.

Can I work hands-on with the animals?

The RSPCA is conscious of best work practice and safety for volunteers and the animals in our care.  Due to the limited time involved in corporate volunteering days and the training and supervision required to handle animals, we are unable to offer opportunities to work directly with animals. A tour of the property is included in most Corporate Volunteer activities and this provides an opportunity to see the animals.

What staff facilities are available?

A kitchen with tea and coffee, microwave and refrigerator and staff change rooms with showers.

What do we wear?

Details will be provided for your specific activity when you book.

What time are the activities?

Generally Corporate Volunteer activities run for a full day as this is the period of leave provided by employers to staff. Times for specific activities will be confirmed with you.

How do we find out about what activities are available?

A calendar of activities is in place.  To find out what is available contact Lisa Bretnall on lbretnall@rspcavic.org.au or 9224 2283.  Please note that our activities are often booked out two months in advance.