Volunteers for life
According to Kohl and Mills, there are many benefits to being a volunteer.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, more commonly referred to as International Volunteer Day, is an observance which was mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985.
Audrey Kohl, of Germiston, and Lezelle Mills, of Airfield, have been volunteers at Pug Rescue for many
years and really enjoy the work.
“I became a volunteer in 2014,” explained Audrey. “I have pugs and used to visit the centre. I saw the work they were doing and it just felt right. I wanted to be a volunteer and now I am even part of the Thanda Inja Project.
Lezelle explained that in 2018 Audrey asked her to help with the 10th birthday decorations for Pug Rescue.
“I obliged – and never left. I became a part of this family very quickly and it just felt great,” she said.
Why Pug Rescue though?
“This is the best run rescue operation I have ever seen,” Lezelle said.
Audrey said she can only strive to become like some of the other volunteers.
“I just felt that what they are doing is amazing and also because I have my own pugs,” she said.
“When I started volunteering I started to see so much that you don’t see as a visitor. They needed the help and I was happy to oblige.”
Becoming a volunteer is not something people should consider lightly – it is hard work, said Audrey and Lezelle.
Both women believe that if you become a volunteer and dedicate yourself to a specific place, you have to be willing to stay through the tough and the easy.
“I had some spare time that I needed to fill, but I wanted to fill it with something that is worthwhile,” said Lezelle.
“You have to be willing to sacrifice your own time, your heart and your soul. You can’t just sign up for a few weeks and leave – you have to be in it and willing.
“People don’t volunteer anymore; they always expect something in return. You have to want to give without getting back,” Audrey said.
“You need to have heart and dedication – you’re either in or out, not in between.”
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Audrey and Lezelle said there are many benefits to being a volunteer.
“Being able to see the results of what you’re doing is the best for me,” said Audrey.
“Also, the learning experience. I have learnt so much about dogs; about their treatments and how to look after them, it’s just unbelievable how much you can learn while being a volunteer.”
“For me, to have a successful jumble sale and raise plenty of funds is a benefit because you feel the giving back process and it makes my heart happy,” said Lezelle.
These two helpers have plenty of memories they bask in on a daily basis, which pushes them to want to do more.
“My fondest memory is probably the themed 10th birthday party we had for Pug Rescue. Even though the rain came down in bucket loads, it didn’t stop us from having not only the best time but also raising the much-needed funds for Pug Rescue,” said Lezelle.
Audrey recalled going into a township area to conduct sterilisations and a dog being surrendered to them.
“The reason this is my fondest memory is because this little dog crawled into my heart and stayed there. Once
she was sterilised she came home with me and has been with me ever since.
“If I didn’t do this project or become a volunteer she never would have been in my life. I have 11 dogs and five have come from the townships we visit.”
It’s not all fun and games being a volunteer – both women have seen and experienced their share of heartbreak.
“There are some very sad moments, when having to take a doggie to be euthanised its really heart-breaking,” said Audrey.
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“You have to be determined and know that it’s not always nice things you see. Being a volunteer means your personal life gets put on the back burner,” explained Mills.
“You sacrifice your time for a good cause.”
Cheryl Gaw, founder of Pug Rescue, said whatever you volunteer for, remember to have the mind set of its not about you, its about the cause.
“If you make it about you, you will fail. Don’t volunteer if all you’re looking for is acknowledgement. You are a part of a team and doing this for the cause, so put your head down and work hard It’s like a normal nine to five job, only harder and with more hours.”
Contact Pug Rescue on 082 508 0384 or follow them on Facebook.
