G.R.E.A.T. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

So you'd like to help but aren’t sure “how”? We have many volunteer opportunities listed below. Some involve working directly with our Goldens, others working with the public during fundraisers, sponsoring rescue-related events, or donating goods for rescue fundraisers. Your time, talents and treasures are invaluable to the work that we do, and any way you would like to help us would be GREAT-ly appreciated!

G.R.E.A.T. Volunteer Opportunities (download PDF)

G.R.E.A.T. Volunteer Application (download PDF)

Transport (Clay County/Starke/Gainesville/Jacksonville/Lake City/St Mary’s, GA/Flagler-Palm Coast/ St Augustine) – Transport previously evaluated and approved Goldens from area shelters to rescue vet’s office – requires valid drivers license, good driving record, vehicle large enough to transport dogs up to 115lbs, transports are mostly conducted during weekdays (9am-6pm) and occasionally on Saturdays (no small children or personal dogs may accompany transport volunteers)

Fostering Care – Our most important and valuable positions; foster s are desperately needed to provide safe, loving homes to newly rescued Goldens; foster times average 2-3wks; dogs undergoing heart worm treatment may require 6-8wks foster time; big hearts and patience are required, you will receive much love in return! (year round)

Hospice Foster – Caring for elderly or terminally ill Golden Retrievers who have no hope for adoption, but deserve to have quality end-of-life care, nothing could require more patience and love, and reap more reward, than providing hospice care for a Golden in need. GREAT Rescue will continue to fund the medical needs of these dogs for the duration of their care. (as needed)

Foster Care Assistant-work with Foster Coordinator to recruit additional fosters, place incoming dogs into foster homes, ensures fosters have necessary food and supplies, vet appt reminders and follow-up after care (5hrs week)

Adoption Follow-ups - works with Adoption Coordinator; follow up with newly adopting families to provide additional support; answer questions, ensure a successful adoption/placement (2-3 hours weekly)

Special Events Committee - volunteer with other GREAT members at local dog events throughout the year; you are allowed to bring one well-behaved Golden to educate the public on the breed and about GREAT; may require time in the booth discussing adoptable dogs, selling Golden items, handing out information, setup & breakdown (hours and season varies)

Fundraising Committee Member- GREAT needs several creative, energetic people to assist and implement fundraising ideas throughout the year

Silent Auction Committee- Contact area businesses to donate goods/services for our Silent Auction fundraiser, and pick up donations prior to event (Feb-Mar)

Tennis Ball Bonanza Committee- assist with producing and mailing Bonanza ticket packs, numbering tennis balls, event setup, ticket sales, hospitality (Aug-Sept)

Calendar Marketing & Distribution- enlisting area businesses to sell GREAT calendars to customers (Oct-Jan); deliver calendars to businesses; assist in mailing of calendar orders

Newsletter Contributor- write and/or submit educational articles, stories, cartoons, references to Newsletter Coordinator for bi-annual GREAT News publications (year round)

Newsletter Mailing - copy, fold, label and mail bi-annual GREAT newsletter mailings

PR & Community Education- Contact area TV stations, newspapers, publications, businesses about GREAT happenings, notable events, special intakes/adoptions

Graphic Design/Web- creating flyers, posters, logos, brochures, photography, assist with minimal website work (as needed)

Grant Writing-Researching and writing grant proposals; works with GREAT President; (year round)

Data Entry - enters new adoption info to database, keeps contact and mailing lists current (2-3hr weekly)

Foster Food Delivery – pick up food donations from Volunteer Coordinator and distribute to area foster homes as needed (once a month)

Be a G.R.E.A.T. Legacy - A “bequest” in your will or living trust is an uncomplicated way to help support the Golden Retrievers we at GREAT Rescue work so hard to protect. A bequest can be a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones. Living trusts are a popular choice because the terms of a living trust, unlike a will, can be put into effect immediately upon your death, bypassing probate and keeping the terms private.