Chia medicating a dog at Cares animal shelter in Stulang. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisations (NGOs) in Johor Baru are hoping to see more people heeding the call to volunteer for worthy causes.
Companion Animal Rescue Effort Society (Cares) chairman Joseph Chia, who runs two animal shelters in Johor Baru, said the NGO only has three active volunteers, including him, taking care of close to 300 rescued animals.
“There are about 200 dogs at our animal shelter in Lima Kedai and another 80 cats and dogs at our shelter in Stulang.
“I have only two volunteers who come once a week to tend to the animals.
“Sometimes, they will come more often if they are free.
“I visit the two shelters every day. If I fail to do so, the animals will have nothing to eat,” he said.
On top of that, he will attend to calls to rescue animals.
“We are in desperate need of volunteers and I really hope that animal lovers can spare a few hours to volunteer with us,” said Chia.
He said that prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, he was able to periodically employ part-timers to help out at the shelter.
“These days, we are facing financial constraints.
“Hence, we can only depend on volunteers to help us run the shelters,” he added.
Chia said that at the peak of the pandemic between 2020 and 2021, the NGO had about six volunteers who helped once or twice a week.
They included locals and expatriates who were not able to work then, but they have since either returned to full employment or to their home countries.
Poonam says there were more volunteers during the pandemic.
Glocal Helping Hands chairman Poonam Singh said the NGO used to have about 20 volunteers during the pandemic.
They mainly distribute groceries to the poor, with the number rising during the pandemic.
“At the moment, we have fewer than five volunteers who are helping us out consistently while others lend a hand from time to time.
“For now, we are able to run with the volunteers we have but it can get pretty hectic sometimes.
“We understand the constraints as most volunteers have full-time jobs. So, we hope that those with free time will come help us,” she said.
Ho says only five volunteers are able to commit weekly to the NGO.
Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Johor Baru founder James Ho said that despite having 40 active volunteers, only five were able to commit to helping out on a weekly basis.
“From time to time, we do get people, including students, volunteering for a short period of time.
“We welcome more volunteers, especially youngsters who have the energy to run around.
“Most of our volunteers are not available on a daily or weekly basis, but will turn up when there is a need.
“We definitely welcome more people to volunteer consistently,” he said.
Ho said the NGO received a group of 20 volunteers from Singapore a month ago.
“They have been a great help to us. For now, they are coming twice a week to help distribute food and other essentials to the needy in Johor Baru,” he said.
