Join the Driving Force Helping Rescued Horses and Ponies in Devon…
As Volunteers Week approaches (1–7 June), we are seeking new volunteer drivers to support us raise vital funds for rescued horses and ponies. Would you be interested in joining our friendly retail team and help keep our four charity shops running smoothly in Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Brixham and Babbacombe?
We give lifelong sanctuary to more than 550 rescued horses and ponies across our four sanctuary sites in Devon and through our network of experienced Sanctuary at Home carers. Income from our shops is a vital part of funding our charitable objectives: rescuing and caring for horses and ponies in need, educating the public about equine welfare and providing equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities for children, young people and adults who may find life challenging.
Volunteer drivers will help to move donated goods between our shops in Babbacombe, Bovey Tracey, Brixham and Newton Abbot and our sites in Totnes and Newton Abbot. This role will be central to keeping stock flowing, supporting shop teams and making sure donations are in the right place to raise as much as possible for the charity.
Retail Manager Cate Palmer-Billing said: ‘Our shops are at the heart of local high streets and at the heart of the Sanctuary’s fundraising. Volunteer drivers will be crucial in keeping them stocked and running well. It’s a practical, hands-on way to support the care of horses and ponies in need while being part of a friendly, community-minded team.’
Volunteer drivers will use a Sanctuary vehicle, complete an induction and some online learning, and work closely with shop and sanctuary teams. The role involves collecting and delivering donations, supporting stock rotation and being a positive representative of the charity when out and about.
We are looking for people who are physically fit, as the role includes lifting, and who are confident, careful drivers. Volunteers will need:
- A full UK driving licence
- Good customer service skills
- Willingness to undergo a DBS check
- A minimum commitment of one day a week, with flexible hours available
Cate added: ‘This is a great role for anyone who enjoys being on the move, meeting people and working as part of a supportive team. You do not need experience in retail or animal care, just a commitment to the Sanctuary’s work and a reliable, practical approach. Every journey our drivers make helps turn donated items into the funds we need to be there for horses and ponies, and for the people who benefit from time with them.
‘The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is the place for people who want to make a difference to the lives of horses, ponies and foals. Volunteer drivers are a key part of that. If you care about horses and ponies, and about keeping our high streets vibrant, we would love to hear from you.’
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver or finding out more about volunteer roles, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Kerri Luke, at [email protected] or call 01626 355969.
