Volunteering means just that!

[louise90]

I work voluntary for the Red Cross and have met loads of interesting people over the years! But when I do jobs for the Red Cross I often get asked how much do they have to pay for my service. I tell them that it's absolutely free and they don't have to pay anything. More often than not they are surprised to hear this and give a donation to the Red Cross. (Sometimes I do get a little gift like chocolates though!!).

It sort of humbled me a bit to think that people are so needy and yet so grateful that people are willing to give up their time for nothing to help them. It's people like this that make me carry on with my volunteering.

[Mark]

Good for you, Louise! Good for you. I'm always volunteering myself. For years (well, actually I was one of the founding members 30 years ago) I've volunteered with the Alabama Animal Adoption Society. Society members keep foundlings in their homes and take them to a center (an older house we bought for the purpose) for adoptions over weekends, to malls and pet stores at other times. To raise funds, we have 'dog dips', bake sales, etc. People can be quite generous when it comes to animals and children I've found.

[louise90]

Aww, that's lovely Mark. Animals need our help just as much as what humans do. I'm so soft when it comes to animals. If I see a bird that can't fly I'll pick it up & take it to the vets!!

[Mark]

I like animals too, Louise. In fact, I spent the day (I'm in Washington, D.C. on holiday, don't forget) at the National Zoo. If any of the photos come out I'll be posting some next week when I return home.