A volunteer celebrating 10 years of working with the Mare and Foal Sanctuary has been honoured by her colleagues at the charity.

Elaine Pengelly began volunteering in 2006 after deciding she wanted to work for an animal charity and get involved in a community – since starting work at the shop in South Brent she has moved to the area because she loves it so much and has helped raise awareness and money to assist the Mare and Foal Sanctuary in its work.

South Brent Deputy Shop Manager Natasha Cooke said, “Elaine has fitted in so well to the community, she has the sanctuary at heart and is a passionate, reliable member of the team who has a great rapport with people and an affinity to promote the sanctuary and the benefits of volunteering.”

For most charities, volunteers are a lifeline, dedicated and hard-working people who donate their time and skills to a cause they believe in, to make a difference.

Executive Director Syra Bowden explains, “Volunteers are central to our work, whether assisting directly with the animals, in our shops or elsewhere, we could not operate without them. Over the last 3 months alone our volunteers have contributed 5,976 hours to help us and so it’s great when we can give them the acknowledgement they deserve.

Everyone at the Sanctuary is so grateful for everything our volunteers do to help.”

Upon being presented with a certificate and gifts by her colleagues, Elaine said “It is a pleasure to work for The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, and I thank everyone for my lovely gifts.”

If you’ve been inspired to volunteer then get in touch with us at volunteers@mareandfoal.org or go to our website, we’re always looking for extra pairs of hands and there are so many ways you can help. We desperately need more volunteers and even a few hours a week makes all the difference.