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As a foster-home-based rescue, we rely heavily on the kindness and dedication of volunteers to help our animals thrive. Volunteering with Ruff Start Rescue Society means you're directly supporting our animals in their journey to find loving, forever homes. See our availble volunteer roles below.
Foster Care
Available to applicants across Alberta
At Ruff Start Rescue Society, we believe that every animal deserves a loving home, even if it’s just temporary. As a foster-home-based rescue, our foster care program is the heart of what we do. Our network of compassionate foster families provides animals with safe, comfortable, and supportive environments as they heal, grow, and prepare for adoption.
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What is Foster Care?
Foster care is a volunteer-based program where individuals and families open their homes to animals in need. Foster parents provide a temporary home for animals—often puppies, kittens, or animals recovering from illness or injury—until they are ready for adoption. Fostering not only helps relieve the overcrowding at shelters but also gives animals the individualized attention they need to thrive. Apply to find out more about our program.
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Fundrasing Coordinator
Available to applicants across Alberta
Position Overview:
The Fundraising Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting Ruff Start rescue Society by creating, organizing, and executing fundraising efforts to ensure the financial sustainability of our animal rescue programs. This individual will work closely with our team to develop and implement strategies that engage the community, raise awareness, and secure the necessary funds to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need.
Key Responsibilities:
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Fundraising Campaigns:
Plan, execute, and manage both online and offline fundraising campaigns (such as donation drives, events, and special initiatives) to raise money for the organization. This includes setting goals, developing marketing materials, and coordinating logistics. -
Event Planning & Management:
Organize fundraising events such as charity auctions, benefit dinners, pet adoption fairs, and virtual events. Coordinate all aspects of these events, including venue selection, vendor relations, securing sponsors, event promotion, volunteer coordination, and post-event follow-ups. -
Digital Fundraising:
Lead online fundraising efforts, including managing crowdfunding campaigns, email appeals, and social media fundraising. Ensure content is engaging, informative, and aligned with the organization's mission. -
Marketing & Communications Support:
Work with the marketing team to create fundraising materials such as flyers, social media posts, newsletters, and donation pages. Ensure all communication highlights the life-saving work of the rescue and resonates with potential donors.
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Foster Team Member
Available to applicants across Alberta
Position Overview:
The Foster Team Member plays a crucial role in supporting our foster care program by recruiting, interviewing, and guiding potential foster families. This individual will help ensure a smooth process for bringing animals into foster homes, providing ongoing support to foster families, and ensuring animals are placed in safe, loving environments where they can thrive.
Key Responsibilities:
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Recruitment & Interviewing:
Conduct interviews with potential foster families to assess their ability to care for animals. Ensure that all foster homes meet the necessary requirements to provide a safe and supportive environment for the animals in our care. -
Foster Home Setup:
Coordinate the placement of animals into foster homes, ensuring that foster families have all necessary supplies and resources. Offer guidance on animal care, including feeding, training, and medical needs. -
Ongoing Support:
Provide continuous support to foster families, offering advice, troubleshooting challenges, and checking in regularly to ensure both the foster family and the animal are thriving. Help resolve any issues that arise during the fostering period. -
Training & Resources:
Provide training materials and guidance to new fosters, ensuring they are fully prepared to care for animals in their home. Offer educational resources to help foster families with common behavioral or medical concerns. -
Communication:
Act as a liaison between foster families and the rescue organization, ensuring clear communication and timely updates about the animal’s health, progress, and adoption status.
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Event Host
Available to applicants in Edmonton, Calgary and Medicine Hat for in person events.
Position Overview:
The Event Host is responsible for ensuring that our fundraising and adoption events run smoothly and are engaging for attendees. As the face of Ruff Start at events, the Event Host will create a welcoming atmosphere, facilitate event activities, and help promote our mission to guests, encouraging participation and support for our cause.
Key Responsibilities:
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Event Coordination & Management:
Oversee event logistics and activities, ensuring everything runs according to plan. Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and attendees to maintain a smooth event flow. -
Guest Engagement:
Welcome attendees and facilitate interactive activities. Engage with guests to share the mission of the organization and inspire them to get involved. -
Fundraising Support:
Encourage donations, promote auction items, and support other fundraising efforts throughout the event. Highlight the impact of contributions on the animals in our care. -
Promotion of the Cause:
Share compelling stories about the animals and the rescue’s work, helping guests understand the importance of their support and participation. -
Team Collaboration:
Work closely with the event planning team, volunteers, and staff to ensure all aspects of the event are executed efficiently.
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Marketing & Communications Volunteer
Available to applicants across Alberta.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and creative Marketing & Communications Volunteer to join our team! This volunteer role is ideal for someone with a background or interest in marketing, communications, and design. You’ll play a key part in promoting our mission, engaging our community, and helping us grow our online presence. If you have a love for animals and want to use your skills to make a difference, we’d love to have you on our team!
Key Responsibilities:
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Newsletter Creation & Distribution: Assist in drafting, designing, and sending regular newsletters to keep our supporters informed about upcoming events, success stories, adoption updates, and rescue needs.
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Marketing Materials: Design and develop materials such as flyers, posters, social media graphics, and other promotional content to support our campaigns and events.
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Collaborate with Team: Work closely with other volunteers and staff to align messaging, ensure consistency, and promote upcoming events and initiatives.
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