The Youth Ambassador Program, which was launched in August, is open to any child in Rockland. "We're hoping as they get older, they stick with us and they can start to become dog walkers and volunteers." "They all have unique talents and abilities," said Cobb, who has taken on the role of coordinating youth programs at the shelter. Hi Tor depends on its network of volunteers, who serve as foster families for animals, dog walkers and event workers.Įven though volunteers are required to be 18 or older to handle dogs and 16 and up to work with cats, that hasn't stopped teens and 'tweens from getting involved. That figure doesn't include general operations, a budget that covers salaries for its staff of 12, utility bills and running the site. Medical bills alone - along with spaying, neutering and purchasing medications - costs Hi Tor around $100,000 annually, according to the shelter. Since only one-fourth of the shelter's funding comes from the county and the five towns within Rockland, Hi Tor relies largely upon donations and fundraising. "I kept noticing more kids coming on the weekends, saying 'We want to get involved with the animals, we want to do things,'" Cobb said.įounded in 1973, Hi Tor provides temporary care to about 2,500 animals each year that are either abandoned, unwanted or neglected.
0 kommentar(er)
