PETstock Ballarat staff have taken part in the #waveforvolunteers campaign, created by Volunteering Australia for National Volunteers Week.

The campaign calls for Australians to put their hand up and thank volunteers around the country by waving a special smile of appreciation from their home or workplace and sharing virtually.

PETstock Assist Charity and Events Coordinator Jessica Guilfoyle said volunteers have played a crucial role for PETstock and its PETstock Assist charity partners during the pandemic.

"We're celebrating everyone who's volunteered within our organisation and also our partner charity organisations," she said.

"It's really important to PETstock as an employer to celebrate our wonderful people and everything they give back to the community.

"Volunteers through our partners have been working exceptionally hard through the pandemic making sure their services have continued to be offered throughout Australia.

"From a Ballarat community point of view we've seen some wonderful community stories come out such as an initiative which has seen volunteers sewing scrubs for hospital workers."

Mrs Guilfoyle added praise for those who have adopted and fostered animals during the pandemic, however stressed that adopting a pet is a major commitment and should always be thought out.

"People need to remember that these pets are not just for this pandemic, they are looking for their forever homes.

"We've also seen a large increase in fostering, where people have taken in a pet while it looks for its forever home. Fostering is just as good for families as it is for the animal in terms of bringing a companion into the home."

PETstock Assist is a registered charity committed to making long-term difference and possible change in the lives of pets and humans through education, awareness and donations.

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