This is part of a series of “Why I Give” interviews intended to demonstrate that we all have a cause that speaks to us and, no matter what we have, we can find some way to contribute. In the world of nonprofits, while monetary support is always needed, they also need our time and energy.
It’s also important to see the diversity in how people choose to give back, so I am hopeful that these first-person stories introduce you to opportunities you didn’t know existed and connect you to new concepts, new nonprofits, and wonderful new people.
It just takes one small action to have a ripple effect, and I want to make waves.
Meet Rita Fridman
About Rita
Rita is a professional wanderer and part-time blogger. She created her blog Rita Wanderlust to share her travel experiences and connect with other like-minded wanderers on levels she, otherwise, would not be able to reach.
Rita’s Story Of Giving
Who do you support?
I support PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society). PAWS website explains that “since 1967, PAWS has united more than 130,000 companion animals with loving families, cared for 115,000 injured and orphaned wild animals, and made the world a better place for countless others through advocacy and education.”
Why do you support PAWS?
I started volunteering here because my life was lacking something. I don’t know that volunteering has filled that hole, but it certainly has helped me feel useful in a way I never did before.
Since I have always been a lover of animals and shy of being able to adopt every single dog and cat out there, I had to find other ways to make a difference. PAWS is a combination of shelter and wildlife rehab. So you can volunteer year round and never get bored or overwhelmed by just doing one thing.
PAWS is well known for their rescue efforts and I felt comfortable knowing that my volunteering here would make a difference in the lives of animals.
How do you support PAWS?
I volunteer in the baby bird nursery. I feel the baby birds and help nurse them back to health.
How do you hope to make a difference through your support of PAWS?
I feel that that PAWS has helped rehabilitate so many animals that it has a reputation to uphold and I am proud to be part of that effort. It has so many branches and areas of expertise that I would like to explore all of them from feeding baby squirrels to walking dogs, to getting cats adopted at Cat City.
I know I make a difference in the lives of these animals. Just seeing that one baby bird I helped nurse back to health has been released gives me a huge sense of relief.
Connect With Rita
If you would like to learn more about Rita, you can find her here:
Julie
Friday 10th of March 2017
Loving these interviews- so many good causes. PAWS is a great organisation. I strongly beleive we as travellers should give back to the communities we visit and particularly so if it's a developing country. Look forward to reading more.
Dana
Sunday 12th of March 2017
Julie,
Thank you! I really telling people's stories and these are a great place to start. Your point about giving back to the communities we visit as we travel is also very important. Hopefully I will be able to highlight those efforts as well.
Haley Bradley
Wednesday 8th of March 2017
I love PAWS for all the work that they do to help animals in need. It great that she is able to find joy and be able to help rehabilitate so many animals.
Dana
Thursday 9th of March 2017
Haley - Thanks for commenting. I too think it's great that she's working in a way that brings comfort to both herself and the animal. Volunteering for something you love has a way of doing that, doesn't it?
Audrey
Saturday 4th of March 2017
I enjoy this series and hearing about what motivates people to help. PAWS is a great cause, with plenty of ways to help.
Dana
Saturday 4th of March 2017
Thank you for the kind words. I too enjoy learning about the different ways people are able to give back to their community. PAWS has always been a wonderful nonprofit doing very important work.
Clearissa Coward
Friday 3rd of March 2017
Animals rely on us to make sure they are fed and cared for. I applaud your efforts. This is a wonderful thing you do.
Dana
Friday 3rd of March 2017
Clearissa - I agree that we need to make sure to care for animals at every stage of their lives. I too applaud Rita's efforts and all the others who make this their mission. - Dana
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Thursday 2nd of March 2017
Such a lovely cause as animals (like babies) are so reliant on others. My friend has a great connection with the RSPCA in Australia. Volunteering is so rewarding. I've pinned and enjoyed your post.
Dana
Thursday 2nd of March 2017
Sue - Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we must do our best to take care of those who are most dependent. If your or your friend would like to participate in this Why I Give feature, I welcome it. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Kind regards, Dana