Ayr teen in line for top volunteer award

Dec 30 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A DEDICATED volunteer has been shortlisted for a top national award.

Veterinary charity PDSA have nominated Ayr’s Paul Andreucci for his outstanding passion and commitment to their cause.

Paul is up against two other hopefuls in the coveted Young Volunteer of the Year category.

The 16-year-old gives up his free time to help at PDSA’s busy store in Ayr, which raises vital funds for local sick and injured pets.

The college student volunteers at the store with any spare time and puts in up to 14 hours a week.

His commitment has seen him inspire his friends to volunteer with five new helpers joining thanks to his influence.

PDSA store manager, Shona Wilson, who nominated Paul for the award, said: “Since the first day Paul walked in to volunteer for us, I just knew he was special.

“He wanted to know everything about PDSA, and would ask questions on how it all started.

“From there on in his interest in the charity has remained as strong as ever, as well as his enthusiasm.

“You hear so many bad things about young people today, but I am so proud of the young volunteers that help out at Ayr PDSA store, especially Paul.

“Their parents should be very proud of them for donating their time to support a charity and I’m delighted that Paul has been recognised for his efforts.

PDSA, which provides free veterinary treatment to the sick and injured pets of people in need, has more than 5000 volunteers helping in its charity shops, pet hospitals and fundraising group across the country.

Last year they saved the charity over £11.2 million in employment costs.

Paul admitted he was initially expecting to volunteer with PDSA for three months to help achieve his Duke of Edinburgh award – but enjoyed it so much he decided to stay.

He said: “I picked PDSA over other charities because I love animals.

“I have two Bernese mountain dogs so I think what PDSA does – providing free veterinary care for the pets of people in need – is really important.

“I wanted to make a difference.

“The best part is knowing that you're making a difference to animals’ lives over the country.

“It’s a great feeling after a day’s volunteering knowing that you're helping in some way.

“Volunteering is great. You meet so many people and it boosts your confidence and social skills as well as learning so many other skills that may comein helpful sometime in the future.

“At the end of the day you are doing something great for someone else out there by offering your time to help.”

To join PDSA’s volunteering team and find out more about helping pets in need, contact the national volunteering centre on freephone 0800 854 194 or visit www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteering

The shortlisted volunteers will be judged on their commitment to PDSA and enthusiasm for their roles and the winners will be announced in the new year.