The Blue Cross asks volunteers to step out and make a difference!

23/10/2007

The Blue Cross equine centre in Burford is opening its stable doors to the public next Saturday 27 October for a volunteer open day to celebrate national Make a Difference Day. 

Staff at The Blue Cross equine centre will be on hand from 11am to 3pm to give visitors guided tours of the centre and explain how horses and ponies are rehabilitated and rehomed by The Blue Cross. Visitors will be treated to horse riding displays and refreshments will be available on site to make for a fun day out.

Kate Gloyn, deputy manager at The Blue Cross equine centre in Burford explains: "The work carried out by our volunteers here at The Blue Cross is really quite varied.  It can involve anything from working in the yard, assisting trained staff in rehabilitation work and undertaking one-to-one work with our non-ridden companions, to covering reception or gardening.  Each job is absolutely vital in helping the horses and ponies in our care.  We're always on the look out for volunteers, so this open day is a fantastic opportunity for people to come along and see what we do, and also pick up some practical tips on equine care."

Make a Difference Day, organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers), is the UK's biggest day of hands-on volunteering, asking people to explore the wealth of volunteering opportunities available across the country. 

Karen Allsop, volunteer development manager at The Blue Cross added: "This day is all about opening our doors to people who have an interest in our work but want to get behind the scenes and learn more about the types of volunteering opportunities on offer.  It's a chance to ask questions, make friends, learn new skills and make a vital difference to the charity."

Volunteering opportunities at The Blue Cross equine centre are open to anyone over 18 with a few hours to spare either at weekends or during the week. Opportunities include: Working with the events team, Providing administrative help, including reception cover, Horse care, Gardening and maintenance duties.

The open day will take place in the grounds of the Burford equine centre on Shilton Road, Burford, OX18 4PF.   For more information, please phone the centre on 01993 822 454.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Media are welcome to attend, please call the press office for further details.

For more than a century, The Blue Cross has been dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming horses and ponies in need, giving them the chance of a new life in approved homes. The Blue Cross rehomes more than 100 horses and ponies every year from its three dedicated equine centres in Oxfordshire, Sussex and Staffordshire. For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk. The Blue Cross also provides practical support, information and advice for horse and pony owners, with a range of educational materials available at centres and on our websites: www.bluecross.org.uk and www.allaboutpets.org.uk.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities at The Blue Cross, please contact Karen Allsopon 01993 825519. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the largest UK volunteering and training organisation.  For further information, please visit: www.csv.org.uk

Media contact
Ziela Haider on 020 7932 4063 / 07816 904721 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk.