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VALUES & VIRTUES OF VOLUNTEERING 2005 was designated ‘Year of the Volunteer’. People from all walks of life gave their time to help support charities and community projects all across the U.K. and T.A.C.T. was certainly not left out. Ursula and Woody The help provided was and is priceless. The number of sick and injured creatures in residence at the Centre is currently 330 and without these volunteers giving up their spare time and sharing their expertise with us, the daily running of the Centre would become very strenuous. Volunteering opportunities come in all forms. From cleaning out pens, rescuing sick or injured wildlife, attending fundraising events, to the individual care of one animal. It is not every day that one gets the opportunity to ‘fondle a fox’ or aid in the feeding and release of small garden birds!!! Many of our volunteers go on to University courses in Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Nursing or Full Veterinary Qualifications. The various species of our native wildlife are not something a person in these professions would get to see very often so the experience they gain from working closely with wildlife at the Centre is invaluable. Daniel cleaning out the Guinea Pigs

Daniel is working on an NVQ Level 1 in Animal Care and thoroughly enjoys working in ‘Kiddies Corner’. He helps clean pens, feed the various animals and secure cages in the evenings. Becoming a volunteer couldn’t be easier. At present we are looking for people willing to help at shows and events across Northern Ireland. This involves setting up and manning our stall and talking to the public about the Centre as well as handling the animals for photographs. Training in handling the birds of prey and other animals will be given by our Education Work Leader, Debbie Nelson. Alternatively, are you good with Administration, Education or Fundraising? If you have a spare day and feel you could put your skills to good use then this is a very rewarding and fulfilling place to apply them. Volunteers receiving certificates for their work at the Centre. One volunteer told us that, ‘Giving a donation of money or materials is always helpful but knowing that you are personally making a difference, with your own hands, to people and wildlife leaves you with a very strong feeling of satisfaction and is something worth experiencing.’ If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer at T.A.C.T. contact us via e-mail tactwildlife@btinternet.com or telephone 028 9445 9739 for more information. We are indebted to all those who help and have helped at the Centre and wish to take this opportunity to give our sincere thanks to you all. Without your help we wouldn’t be where we are today.