Why volunteering with HPHH is a perfect fit for this animal lover
I’m sure some animal lovers can relate to Nicola Simonds, who always wanted to volunteer with the RSPCA but was concerned she might adopt every animal that came into the shelter. Still driven to make a difference and contribute to the lives of animals, Nicola found HPHH and felt it was a perfect fit for her, as she can help the animals in the shelter and the participants attending group sessions.
“I enjoy making a difference and contributing to bettering a person or an animal’s life. I had volunteered with, and thoroughly enjoyed, the State Emergency Service (SES) for five years prior to joining HPHH but due to a joint replacement, I was unable to continue with the physicality of that volunteering,” she says.
Nicola has volunteered with HPHH since opening our doors at RSPCA Dakabin. She says she has enjoyed every moment, unable to recall a specific moment she finds most memorable.
“I find it really rewarding and heartening when a participant who is normally limited in their interactions suddenly responds joyously to the animals in the room,” she says.
“I have a much greater understanding of the positive benefits animals can provide to people in all different circumstances, as well as how an animals behaviour and confidence can improve from broader exposure to people with differing abilities.”
While she loves all animals, Nicola’s favourite animals are dogs and horses, and she has worked with both in sessions.
“They are always happy to see you (if they’ve been treated well!), are so forgiving of impatience or bad moods, are perceptive of your feelings and have no boundaries to their affection,” she says.
Her volunteering capacity includes supporting the trainer to achieve a good result in the session, and facilitating the participants’ involvement, enjoyment and comfort. She says volunteering with HPHH satisfies her desire to “do my bit” to help disadvantaged people and work with animals waiting for their forever homes.
“I would highly recommend volunteering with HPHH if you love animals and want to help people,” she says.
“This is a great program with so much potential and commitment from the HPHH team.”
At HPHH, we rely on the community and goodwill of volunteers. It is people like Nicola Simonds and her involvement in our community that allows us to continue supporting isolated Australians and rescue animals. In return, she experiences the rewarding moments of making a difference in both animals' and participants' lives. Nicola's dedication showcases the profound positive impact animals can have on individuals, regardless of their circumstances. If you share a love for animals and a passion for helping people, volunteering with HPHH is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a program with immense potential and commitment. Submit your interest in volunteering today.