Your student years are the perfect time to get involved and volunteer at an RSPCA South Australia op shop.

Not only does it give you a sense of connection within the community, but you’ll score loads of other benefits, too.

But don’t just take our word for it. Our list of top five reasons to volunteer at an RSPCA South Australia op shop comes straight from the mouths of our current happy crew of young volunteers!

1. You’ll hone a new interest (or five)

Perhaps you have a hidden talent for finding vintage gems or have discovered you love helping and conversing with people. Maybe you have a sudden knack for altering clothes to suit your style? Or a sudden interest in literature?

Whatever it is, you are bound to not only find, but totally hone a new interest while volunteering at an RSPCA South Australia op shop.

2. You’ll gain valuable new skills

From interacting with customers, creating visual displays and pricing garments to counting money and using point-of-sale systems, you’ll learn many new skills while volunteering at an RSPCA South Australia op shop.

These skills will be transferable for years to come. Skills including communication, organisation and timeliness are always favored from hiring managers.

3. You’ll start building an impressive CV

Volunteering for RSPCA South Australia shows future employers you are proactive, that you care about the community and animals. It is an excellent opportunity to build your CV and to show your ambition and persistence.

Volunteering at an RSPCA South Australia op shop may open doors for other retail opportunities, and indeed many jobs beyond. Did you know RSPCA South Australia has 95% brand recognition in South Australia alone? Your hard work will not go unnoticed!

4. You’ll meet interesting new people

We have volunteers ranging in ages from 18 to 84 across our op shops. Our volunteers are the most compassionate and caring people, who have many great stories to share with you.

Meeting new people while volunteering is one of the many highlights of the experience. Volunteering at an RSPCA South Australia op shop means you are part of our big op shop family, where we’re a truly supportive and accepting community.

5. Best of all, you’ll directly help animals in need

Our op shop locations provide crucial funding to the 10,000 vulnerable animals that enter RSPCA South Australia’s care every year.

It only takes a $5 op shop purchase to provide three warm nights to a homeless animal in need at our Lonsdale shelter. All the funds raised in our op shops go directly to the animals in our care. Feel good knowing you are directly impacting the lives of animals.

Are you an animal lover with a little spare time and a lot of love to give? Make a difference and apply to volunteer at one of our op shops. Who knows, you might save an animal who ends up saving you, too.