Q&A with our volunteer, Zoe
Can you tell us a bit about the volunteering roles you have done with Guide Dogs Tasmania?
I’ve been volunteering with Guide Dogs Tasmania for a year. I have done all sorts of roles including working the merchandise stall, which was one of the first things I did as a volunteer. I’ve also done some community and school talks with our former Ambassador Dog, Dexter, which has been my favourite aspect of volunteering. I also enjoy helping out at the community events where you get to interact with the community, but also cuddle the Ambassador Dog when he is out of coat.
Why did you choose to volunteer with Guide Dogs Tasmania?
If I am being completely honest, the reason I chose to volunteer with Guide Dogs Tasmania was because of the dogs! But once I was volunteering I stayed because of the interactions with the community and the staff, and the dogs became a nice bonus. It’s not a mundane volunteering gig!
What’s the most rewarding thing about volunteering with Guide Dogs Tasmania?
Learning more about an area that I knew nothing about or had any experience with. I didn’t know anyone who was visually impaired before volunteering with Guide Dogs Tasmania, and I had very little understanding of accessibility and such. Knowing that Guide Dogs Tasmania improves accessibility and changes the lives of those with visual impairments, and that I am having a hand in helping that.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Guide Dogs Tasmania?
Quite simply that it’s worth it. It’s not super demanding, so it is easy to balance with work or study. The other volunteers are great, and the staff are super friendly and it feels really good. Just give it a go! The worst that can happen is you find its not for you and you can stop. But it might change your whole perspective of the world.
If you’re considering volunteering, just give it a go… it might change your whole perspective of the world.
