The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA launched its new Animal Ambassadors Youth Program on Saturday, May 5th at the Hudson Children’s Book Festival. “Children are always asking us how they can help the animals,” Volunteer Coordinator Becky Stowe explained. “The minimum age for volunteers at the shelter is 18, but this new program gives children under 18 a way to contribute to the well-being of the animals by being their ‘Ambassadors.'” Animal Ambassadors can be individuals or groups, such as Scout Troops, 4-H groups, or school clubs. Animal Ambassadors help the animals at the shelter by organizing Wish List Drives, Food Drives for the Community Food Bank, or raising money through activities like bake sales, collecting bottles and cans, or placing donation jars. Animal Ambassadors speak up for the animals by spreading the word about the importance of adoption.
Animal Ambassadors receive a kit with tips for putting on an event and ideas for events, a photograph and biography of an animal to represent, handouts on Adoption, Pet Emergency Preparedness, and Animal Do’s and Don’ts, an Animal Ambassadors ID card, and a scheduled tour of the shelter for a chance to meet the animals and learn more about their care.
Animal Ambassadors need their parents’ signed permission to participate. Groups need signed permission from the adult leader/advisor.
For more information about the program, go to our web site, www.cghs.org and click on “Programs,” then “Volunteers.” You can also call Becky at (518) 828-6044, ext. 102, or email her at [email protected]. Brochures are available at the shelter, 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson, NY 12534. Hours are 11:30 – 4:00, every day except Wednesday and Sunday.