💬 Volunteer Voices: Reflections from the Quiet Heroes

Not every volunteer puts their name forward for the spotlight — but their voices matter just as much.

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2025, we’re honoured to share the thoughts of several anonymous Crosskennan volunteers, who wanted to reflect honestly on their experiences. These are real people, with real emotions, who make a real difference in all kinds of ways — from the yard to events, foster homes to fundraisers.

Together, their words speak to the complex, emotional, exhausting, and uplifting reality of helping animals in need.

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“Volunteering is exhausting but also so rewarding. I have gone home aching — sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. It’s not what I expected. Not bad, just different. I thought I’d be cuddling animals all day, feeding and grooming. But a lot of the time I’m cleaning. And I’m not allowed to feed — which is hard when the cats give you those ‘please feed me’ meows.

It’s been an experience. But genuinely one I wouldn’t change. I feel lost without the sanctuary.”

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“I don’t get to volunteer as much as I would like, but when I do I feel both fulfilled and lost. Lost, because I can’t believe some of what these animals have gone through. Fulfilled, because I get to help them, even in a small way. I donate regularly to try and compensate for my lack of time and ability to help in other ways.”

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“So I’m a failed foster/adopter, and when I can, I help with events. I’m very out of my comfort zone — but I also couldn’t imagine not being able to contribute to helping other animals. I’m not allowed to bring anything more home (lol)!”

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“I’m a fosterer — it sort of happened by accident. I had the time, the space, and the experience. And while my partner thinks I’m mad, I also can’t imagine not doing this.”

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“Coming up and even just doing an hour gets me out of the house and out of my head. I can’t contribute a lot physically — but I get so much in return mentally and emotionally. I was genuinely upset when I missed my day because I was on holiday. It’s something many don’t understand, but I can’t imagine my life without that hour in my week.”

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To every person behind these words — and to every volunteer who shows up quietly, courageously, and consistently — thank you. You are the lifeblood of this sanctuary.

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💚 Want to Help Too?

Whether you can give your time once a week, once a month, or only from home — there’s a way to get involved.

🛠️ Volunteer roles include:

• Animal care • Events • Fundraising • Fostering • Admin • Maintenance • Outreach

📧 Email volunteer@crosskennanlane.org.uk to get started.

💻 Can’t join us in person? Sponsoring an animal from just £3/month helps more than you know.

🕊️ We’re working through lots of applications — thank you for your patience, and thank you to those helping us respond faster from behind the scenes!

With love and respect,

– The Crosskennan Team