Each year significant funds are raised through the Guide Dogs Tasmania Collection Dog program to support vital services for Tasmanians living with low or no vision disability and illness.

Collection Dogs (also known as mini, key or model dogs) are placed in a wide variety of small and large businesses throughout metropolitan and country areas in Tasmania. Volunteers play a vital role in this fundraising program by placing new empty collection dogs, retrieving full collection dogs, collection dog maintenance and counting funds.

The Collection Dog Program Volunteer roles are split into 3 different areas • Collection Dog Driving (Runs) • Collection Dog Maintenance (Cleaning) • Collection Dog Administration (Counting)

Volunteers are provided with the training and tools required to fulfil the aspects of each role.

Guide Dogs Tasmania will provide:

1. Training

2. Ongoing Support

3. Insurance cover by EverAbility Group Limited Volunteer Insurance policy and/or by the Motor Accidents Insurance Board Tasmania for the cost of claims for death or injury caused by the negligence of the driver of a registered EverAbility Group Limited Vehicle

   As a Collection Dog Program Maintenance Volunteer you will: • Ensure each week that there are enough clean mini dogs for the following weeks scheduled runs • Clean plastic mini dogs with warm soapy water • Replace damaged stickers as required • Attach chain to all collection dogs so they can be secured at host sites to reduce instances of theft

Key Responsibilities and Volunteer roles specific requirements

All Volunteers • To be an ambassador and advocate for EverAbility, actively promoting the aims and activities to external (funding) audiences • Ensure that all contacts with consumers, donors, general public and staff are carried out in a professional, courteous manner • Be familiar with and adhere to Occupational, Health and Safety requirements. • Police Clearance dated within the last six months and current Working with Vulnerable Person’s Check (WWVP) (If the candidate does not possess one or both, they can be applied for by EverAbility during the volunteer application process)

Collection Dog Maintenance Volunteer • Maintain appearance of collection dogs ready to be used in collection host site businesses

What we look for in our volunteers • Genuine interest and a passion for volunteering • Commitment to our cause • Enthusiasm and positivity • Integrity • Good Judgement – knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and bad • Reliability – willing to devote a set amount of time regularly and be punctual • Empathy – ability to understand the plight of a particular person or situation without being judgmental • Good communication and interpersonal skills– positive and respectful interaction with everyone • Self-assurance – able to take constructive criticism on board to improve skills and ability to help others • Adaptability to cope with change, problem solving and a busy workplace • Ability to convey the organisation’s message to groups and individuals.

Time and Availability Requirements We encourage volunteers to apply that can aim to commit to volunteering 1 day per week or 1 day per fortnight for a minimum of 6 months: Monday to Friday – usually in blocks of 3-4 hours.