Birmingham Dogs Home calls on volunteers to lend a helping hand at trade show

Birmingham Dogs Home is calling on volunteers to lend a helping hand at the Pets and Aquatics Trade Show (PATS).

The event is taking place at the NEC Birmingham on Tuesday 29 September and will bring together businesses and exhibitors from across the pet industry.

Last year exhibitors donated more than £45,000 worth of stock to support for the charity’s work.

Whilst the generosity was hugely appreciated, collecting, sorting and transporting such a large volume of donations proved to be a significant undertaking for charity’s small team.

This year, Birmingham Dogs Home is hoping to recruit additional volunteers to help make the most of the generosity of PATS exhibitors and ensure as much donated stock as possible can reach the dogs who need it.

Volunteers are needed from 3.30pm until approximately 9pm at the charity’s Stand C1 at the NEC.

Support could include helping the team collect and move donated items, making the process easier and more efficient for everyone involved.

Whether volunteering individually or as part of a team from an organisation, just a few hours of support could make a significant difference.

Sophie Evans, corporate partnerships officer, at Birmingham Dogs Home said: “Birmingham Dogs Home is the chosen charity for the Pets & Aquatics Trade Show, one of the largest industry events of the year.

“Thanks to the incredible support of The Animal People Recruitment Company team, Birmingham Dogs Home received over £45,000 worth of donated stock and contributions at last year’s event.

“However, with only a small team from Birmingham Dogs Home and The Animal People Recruitment Company available to collect donations, the task extended late into the evening and, unfortunately, not all donations could be collected.

“This year, we are seeking volunteers to help with the collection of donations on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday 29 September.

“Any support provided will be greatly appreciated and will help reduce the pressure on the small teams from both organisations, ensuring that as many donations as possible can be collected and put to good use.”

Pictured: From left to right: Chris Whatling, Sabina Dunkling, Crosby the dog, Sophie Evans, Natalie Pursall, Waheeda Jafferali, and Rachel Frost