MY TIME WITH KAR – JANE

” It all started about 4 years ago when I persuaded my husband that now my children were settled. I needed someone to look after. Eventually, he gave in and following a couple of trips to the KAR Rescue Centre we became the guardians of Crumpet. A Cyprus Terrier of indefinite age. It was one of the best decisions we have made. She gives us a reason to get up in the morning and makes us laugh every single day.

After visiting the centre and seeing the work that KAR does on a day to day basis. I decided to help the charity. So I started to volunteer in their Charity shop at Karakam.

I usually work one morning a week. Each day is never the same with always something to do to keep you busy. The four hours absolutely flies by.

I began with no experience of working in a charity shop. But now I can happily sort the donations which people kindly bring in. It always amazes me how generous some people are. Nothing is thrown away, if at all possible.

We are always needing donations as KAR does run 3 shops within Girne.

We stock the shop on a daily basis which is usually the first job in the morning, then customers start arriving and I personally think that is the best bit of the day. We have regular customers who have become friends who call in every week to have a ‘good rummage’ and to hopefully find a bargain.

Just before Covid struck. I also started to work with the education team. Kar as a organisation is committed to supporting the young people of the TRNC with knowledge on how to care and look after the animals of the island. Unfortunately for over 2 years we were unable to visit schools. But last month we finally were able to visit Primary schools again. It was a lovely mornings work talking to the children and hopefully giving them advice about looking after both domestic and the many Street animals.

I have also taken a small role in re-introducing students from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and local universities who can go up to the rescue centre and complete work on a volunteering basis.

The people who work and volunteer at KAR are dedicated to improving the life of the animals on this island. They are amazing people who work hard and also like to play hard. There is always time for a joke and laugh during the day.

Over the last 4 years I have really enjoyed helping at KAR and all I can say if you are interested in volunteering. Give it ago. You never know what you can do until you try.”

Thank you Jane and everyone of our supporters and volunteers alike. The photos are some of the schools that our Education team have visited over the years.