Archive Council News

30.05.06

Chance to Get Close to Reptiles and Birds of Prey

Alyn Waters Country Park plays host to a special celebration on Sunday 4th June when birds of prey and reptiles from the North Wales Reptile and Raptor Sanctuary (NWRR) visit the Park.

The event is organised by AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) as part of the Volunteer Week celebrations. Anyone involved with a voluntary or community organisation is welcome to go along from 12.30 and enjoy an afternoon of activities and picnic and of course a chance to get up close to the both wild and captive bred animals on show.

The NWRR operates an animal sanctuary and respite centre for sick and injured birds of prey and reptiles. A lot of them get to the sanctuary in a very poor condition and are in need of extensive veterinary help. Part of their remit is to get them back to good health wherever possible and then try to find suitable homes to rehome them.

Chief Officer of AVOW, John Gallanders, said: "We have changed the type of event we are running this year for Volunteers Week to provide an opportunity for volunteers to be recognised for all the contributions they make to the life of Wrexham.

Other events during Volunteer Week which runs between 1st and 7th June include a Recruitment and Publicity event in Queens Square, Wrexham on Tuesday 6th June between 10.30 and 2.30. This will be an opportunity for members of the public to find out about the many organisations operating across Wrexham County Borough. There will be details on organisations providing activities and support across a complete age range from young children to older residents.

Over 28 million people are involved in volunteering in the UK every year and Volunteers' Week is an opportunity for organisations to publicly recognise the work of their volunteers. It also aims to raise the awareness of the benefits of giving time and inspiring a new generation of volunteers.

This year's theme is diversity; there are almost as many different types of people volunteering as there are opportunities to volunteer. Diversity means not herding people into quotas, but valuing difference. We are going beyond the stereotypical volunteer to recognise that the older person or youths in hoodies are just as likely to be found helping in the local community.

Link to Volunteers' Week website (external link)