Dirty Work! Sanctuary Volunteer.

Samoa

5

First time ever in the organization - an what an experience of a lifetime! MAA is a true representative of heroes without cape - the amount of work & care for the animals is outstanding. Conditions aren't always the best but the whole team makes it happen daily. From cleaning duties, feeding, healthcare - it is very hard work. But the outcome - the animals, the appreciation… it is worth every single sweat drop! They have different locations for the shelters - I got to experience 3 different locations and actually fell in love w a cat, which is now in process of adoption to come with me to London!

over 2 years ago

Lina replied

Margarida was a breath of fresh air.

Her easy going manner and enthusiasm for the cause was second to none.-A very caring person dedicated to helping animals In need was clearly high on her list of priorities.
She was a hard worker and adapted easily to different positions in this role as an animal carer with Maa.-A valued member of our team, worked well in a team or alone showing an enormous amount of love and commitment to Maa.-Never afraid to get involved in the most emotional parts of the job and also not afraid to get her hands dirty.

In general a great attribute to the cause we look forward to her return in the future.

Thank you for leaving us a review Margarida.

Canada

5

The organization is an incredible experience! It's a place that you get more from the more you're willing to give. It's such an intense environment emotionally and physically, but connecting with the dogs was the most satisfying and wholesome experience I've ever had. When it comes to accommodations, don't have the highest expectations. It's for an the organization shelter, so expect some of the smells and cleanliness of the workplace to carry over to the staff housing :)

over 2 years ago

Lina replied

Hi, Dyson
It was our pleasure to have you on board at Maa.

You became a valuable part of our team, understanding from the start what we aim to achieve with our animals.- Your commitment was second to none and hundred percent every time, it was very apparent from the start your main aim was care and commitment.

Thank you for contributing at the highest level we appreciate this kind of dedication. You worked hard and well and embraced any situation with an open mind alone or as part of a team.

Thank you for leaving us a review.
We look for forward to you returning in the future.

Morocco

5

It is a good experience for those who want to push themselves and discover the limits of their capabilitiesIt's a great experience. The team is really good, but it must be taken into account that this place is not for fun, but for hard work and expressing love for animals through work and putting up with dirt.

over 2 years ago

Lina replied

Hi, Monssif

Thank you so much for coming to volunteer with Maa.

Your efforts and hard work were very much appreciated by all the team. As a valued team member you worked hard, took instruction well and contributed to a big part of the care we provide for our animals.- Thank you for leaving us a review of your experience.

We look forward to you returning sometime in the future.

United Kingdom

1

You're expected to work more than agreed, there is no training, you're treated with little respect and given unreasonable rules. The facilities in the house are basic, dirty and no meals are provided, only minimal raw ingredients. The facilities at work are non-existent, bordering on dangerous. No toilets, breaks, safety,transport, or thank you. The experience with the animals is traumatic. You will see diseases, severe injuries and even see animals die. The space is filthy and too small for the number of animals. Lucy made me feel unappreciated. Lisa is wonderful, the only positive authority

over 2 years ago

Lina replied

Hi Maddison,

Thank you for offering your time to the animals of MAA and leaving a review. And yes, almost everything is true.

You're right, our space is too small. It's why we've been trying to move out to the bigger land for months but couldn't and still can't because we just don't have the finances to do it.

You're right, we don't have a bathroom at the shelter. But there is one just across the street of the shelter and it has never proven to be an issue for any of the other volunteers.

You're right, this work is dirty, smelly and heartbreaking. All of that is mentioned beforehand, even in the description of the volunteer position itself.

You're right, there is a tonne we have yet to improve---in terms of management, facilities and everything else.

The one thing you're not right about is being asked to work more than stated.

The position says 30 hours per week, which is 5 hours per day, 6 days per week, which is what you have been asked to work as well.

As far as appreciation goes, we appreciate everyone who is ready to get their hands dirty, be part of the team, follow instructions that are there for a reason to not endanger other teammates as well as the animals we take care of.

None of these were unfortunately respected on your end.

And regarding the staff house, while there is a cleaner that comes and cleans the basic stuff, we expect our volunteers to be responsible adults, clean after themselves, respect each other and, if anything arises, address the issue and sort it out together.

But you're right, we don't have a cook and our amenities are basic. We expect everyone to be capable enough to cook for themselves.

Everything can be viewed from two perspectives. And everything can either become a learning and bonding experience or it can become something in which we only see fault in. Wish you wouldn't have taken the second option but it is what it is.

We'll keep on trying to do better as we have so far.

Good luck with everything

Andorra

4

Fue una experiencia conmovedora, hay muchos animales que necesitan ayuda y ellos son muy entregados a esta labor de ayudar. Realmente son muy dedicados, por favor siempre son bienvenidos los voluntarios…en cuanto a la casa donde llagan los voluntarios, tiene lo necesario para vivir, no hay lujos y todo está muy desgastado! Creo que así vaya una persona a hacer aseo a la casa una vez al día, las personas que viven allí se deben encargar de mantenerla limpia! Ya que hay animales y hacen sus necesidades allí adentro durante todo el día. en cuanto a la alimentación, cada uno debe hacer su comida

3 months ago

Spain

5

Muy buena experiencia en general, si te encantan los animales. Acabas agotado y sucio al final del turno, pero es muy gratificante ver que estas ayudando a los perros y gatos, y lo agradecidos y cariñosos que son. Los demás voluntarios(y algunos de los trabajadores) encantadores, hay muy buena convivencia en la casa, y puedes disfrutar mucho de tu tiempo libre. Sin embargo, nos habría gustado más reconocimiento como voluntarios, que se valorara nuestro trabajo, un simple gracias al final de nuestra estancia habría sido un detalle la verdad.

over 1 year ago

Lina replied

Hello Paola!

Many thanks for your feed-back, your time and your commitment at our shelter with our precious animals!

I am really happy to know that you enjoyed your stay with us and you will always be welcome, also I am sorry to know that you feel has you didn't receive the "thank" you deserve so far even if I am sur that many of us have already thanked you as me in person and face up ;)

Lina,
MAA Volunteer Coordinator

Argentina

5

Es una experiencia que vale muchisimo la pena. El trabajo y el amor que le dan a los animales es hermoso. Es gratificante ver y sentir el amor de cada uno de ellos. Recomiendo totalmente este voluntariado. Muchas gracias la organización ❤️

over 1 year ago

Chile

5

Wow!! Fue la primera vez que usaba worldpackers, que iba a un voluntariado real y que iba a Marruecos! ( y sin saber inglés o árabe) Me llevo una experiencia muy enriquecedora 🥰 La casa se esfuerzan en mejorarla cada día, pero los voluntarios tenemos que ayudar en su limpieza, como debe ser y no lo entiende todo el mundo. El refugio es enorme y con demasiados animales, pero es alucinante el amor que te dan. Trabajas con alegría y un ambiente genial. A los animales, compañeros, mánagers, voluntarios y jefas no les define una palabra mejor que: INCREÍBLES. Shukran!!

almost 2 years ago

Chile

5

Es un maravilloso voluntariado, al igual de agotador y al inicio abrumador. Realmente los chicos que trabajan y voluntarios dan todo de ellos para hacer funcionar este centro de rescate. Dentro de lo que es la casa donde vivimos los del staff, se convive con algunos gatos y perros que son para adoptar, tienes buenas camas, y la ducha tiene agua caliente, la cocina no esta muy bien equipada pero te las puedes arreglar. Dentro de lo del trabajo, se respetan las horas de trabajo y no son tareas imposibles de hacer, se tiene un gran equipo de trabajo, es duro pero vale completamente la pena.

over 2 years ago

Lina replied

Daniela came to Maa with a big heart for helping animals in need.
She was hard working and fully committed in the short time she stayed with us, this kind of commitment we appreciate.- Her love for the animals was very apparent from the start, she was happy to get involved in anything that was asked of her, and at times it can be over whelming but she handled this very well.-She was more than happy to muck in on the hardest parts of the work without a second thought, again something we appreciate with ever changing situations.

A great all round worker with a lot of love to give.

Apply Now