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Volunteer Information

Sunday 16th May 2010

Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth

RSPCA WA Million Paws Walk 2010 is proudly sponsored by:

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Platinum Sponsor

Gold Paw Sponsor

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Welcome Volunteers!

Thank you for donating your time to be part of the 2010 Million Paws Walk. We hope to make this year the biggest yet, bringing alive the South Perth Foreshore with pets and owners of all ages, shapes and sizes as we raise vital funds for the RSPCA to continue its work, caring for animals.

Your assistance is critical to ensuring the success of the event. If this is your first time volunteering, be prepared for an enjoyable and rewarding experience! If you have volunteered before, it's great to have you back!

The booklet is designed to answer your questions about the event and volunteering. If you have any additional questions, or suggestions, please contact the RSPCA Volunteering Department

As always, your help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

The RSPCA WA

Contents

Welcome Volunteersl 1

Street Map (includes volunteer parking details) 6

Site Map 7

Quick FAQ •.............•.•.............•.....•...........................................•.••••..........................•.....•........... 8

Emergencies/ First Aid 8

Fire ...•.•............................•.............................•.......•.••••.•...•.•••.•.•......................•..........•......•.. 8

Lost Children 8

Media enquiries 8

Raffle tickets 8

River ..•...•••.•..............•••.•.....••.•••.•..•.••••.••.•.•..••.•............................••.•...•.•••.•.•••.......•..•............ 9

Sponsorship Monies 9

Stray Dogs! Dog Fights 9

Student Log Books 9

Public Program for the day 10

Time table for volunteers 11

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Event Background 12

Objects 12

Activities ..•..•.••.••••.•.•...•.•••....•.•.••.•.••...•..............................................•....••••••.•.•. ' •••. " 12

Five Freedoms for Animals 13

The Million Paws Walk 13

Volun teer Philosophy 14

Your commitment to us 14

Our commitment to you 14

Volunteering Important Information 15

Parking , 15

Work hours 15

Volunteer Pets 15

Handbags and other personal belongings 15

Under 18's Volunteer 15

Shift times 16

Reporting absenteeism / sickness .......................•...•.•.•...•.•...•...................•..................................•.• 16 Dress code .............•....•......................................•....••.•.••.•••.•..••..•••................................•........ 16

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Grievance procedure and termination .•....•.....................................................•..........•.................... 16 Security .................................................................................................•.......•..•...•................ 17 Lunch •...•...........................•...•...••••....••.•..••••.•...•................•.......•..................•......•..........•..•.. 17

Job roles 17

Money .....•........•....•.............................................•.••..•••••....•..••.••....•.•.••................................. 17 RSPCA Staff ......••....•.•••.•..•...•........•....................................................•.•.................................. 17

Water 18

Communication 18

Volunteer Waiver 18

Medical and safety issues 19

Manual handling 19

Sun exposure 21

Dehydration 21

Falls/trips 22

Volunteer Roles 23

Guidelines for Marshalls 24

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Street Map (includes volunteer parking details)

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Quick FAQ

The Million Paws Walk is the RSPCA's biggest annual fundraising event and as such all participants (human and pets!l) must have a great time. Please offer as much assistance as you can and treat every visitor courteously.

Emergencies/First Aid

Please see the 'Site Map' for the location of the First Aid tent.

Fire

Contact an RSPCA staff member.

Lost Children

Any lost child must be personally taken to the "Get to Know Your RSPCA" Education tent (see Site Map) and handed over to an RSPCA staff member. Any parent who has lost a child should be directed to the "Get to Know Your RSPCA" Education tent.

Media enquiries

No staff or volunteers are to talk to the media. Please direct them to the main stage (see Site Map).

Raffle tickets

The raffle will be drawn after the start of the walk at 11.00am approx. All raffle ticket stubs must be taken to the raffle ticket tent before 9.00am (Site Map reference 'N').

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Registration volunteers and outside "greeters" please ensure this is explained to every visitor.

River

Dogs are not allowed in the river or the lake. Please direct public away from these areas if necessary.

Sponsorship Monies

Visitors with sponsorship monies or donations should be directed to the sponsorship tent (Site Map reference '0').

Stray Dogs/ Dog Fights

For stray dogs and dog fights, please contact the City of South Perth Rangers (Site Map reference 'F'). Do not attempt to break up the dogs yourself. The owners can be told to grab the dogs back legs and lift them up to break the grip.

Student Log Books

It is possible that students may ask for their log books to be signed after completing the walk. No one is to sign a log book and any student (or parent) be directed to the "Get to Know your RSPCA" Education tent (see Site Map)

The RSPCA has been unable to provide any community service hours for students at this event and participation in the walk will have to be authorised by the school not the RSPCA.

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Public Program for the day

8am:

8.15am

9am:

9.20am:

9.40am:

9.50am:

10am:

10.45am:

11.30am:

11.45am:

12pm:

1pm:

Gates open, participants enter the walk;

Welcome by MC Michael Shultz

96fm Crew Outdoor Broadcast begins on the main stage.

Celebrity Challenge

Million Paws Walk HYUNDAI raffle draw

RSPCA Australia President Lynne Bradshaw welcomes everyone; introduces the Premier to the stage

Premier Colin Barnett opens the 2009 RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Walkers start returning; Customs Dogs Demonstration

Live performances

Police and Nurses Competition drawn by 96fm Crew

The Friends of the RSPCA, Perth Pet Show

Million Paws Walk over for another year!

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Time table for volunteers

7am: Arrive morning shift

Every volunteer must report to Hazel at the volunteer tent (Site Map reference 'A') to sign in. Please ensure you are wearing your Volunteer T-shirt.

11 am: Arrive afternoon shift

Every volunteer must report to Hazel at the volunteer tent (Site Map reference 'A') to sign in. Please ensure you are wearing your Volunteer J-shirt.

Lunchtime (approx)

Volunteer change over - morning volunteers will begin to be relieved by next shift. Please be patient! If you are able to stay for the whole day, then please do.

Please again report to Hazel to sign off location and return your badge.

4pm: Volunteer end of day

Please note:

Even though you have been assigned a role, we may have to change this depending on the actual circumstances on the day. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Event Background

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals WA (Inc.)

was formed in Western Australia in 1892 and has the responsibility Western Australia

for administering the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Objects

To promote kindness to animals.

To prevent or suppress cruelty to animals.

• To do all lawful acts as the Society may consider conducive or incidental to the attainment of these objects.

Activities

Without limiting the activities to which the Society may apply its resources, activities may include the application of resources to:

• Ensure the enforcement of laws protecting animals from cruelty and promoting animal welfare

• Take whatever steps are necessary to educate the community with regard to the humane treatment of animals

• Sustain an informed public opinion regarding animal welfare

• Disperse information about the care, protection and treatment of animals

• Procure the passage of such amending or new legislation and policy as is necessary for the protection of animals

• Conduct, manage, operate or encourage clinics, hospitals, homes or shelters for the care, treatment, maintenance and protection of animals

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders for the benefit of animal welfare

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Five Freedoms for Animals

The RSPCA believes that all animals have the right to five basic freedoms:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst; by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

2. Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3. Freedom from pain injury and disease: by prevention by rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.

5. Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

The Million Paws Walk

The Million Paws Walk is the RSPCA WA's biggest annual fundraising event with 20,000 people and their dogs turning out at the Perth Foreshore to raise money for the RSPCA.

Volunteer Philosophy

The RSPCA relies on the support of more than 250 volunteers to make the Million Paws Walk event a success. We promote a professional, positive and helpful 'can-do' attitude that encourages mutual support between volunteers and an open and cooperative attitude to all participants.

Your commitment to us

• To arrive promptly for your agreed volunteer shift.

• To positively contribute to one of the most memorable,

rewarding and exciting RSPCA events.

• To operate in a professional manner to ensure the smooth running of the event.

• To maintain a positive 'can do' attitude.

• To look after all Million Paws Walk participants and their pets.

• To have fun!

Our commitment to you

• We will provide a healthy and safe volunteer environment

• We will ensure you are adequately covered by insurance

• We will provide accurate and timely information about the event.

• We will provide you with appropriate support to complete your tasks.

• We will appreciate your time and effort!

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Volunteering Important Information

Parking

Please see the 'Street Map' for volunteer parking information. Please park at either Taylor St car park, or Wesley College's car park.

Work hours

To ensure the smooth running of the event, please arrive 10 minutes before your allocated job begins. This will allow for check in, or any last minute roster or duty changes.

Report to the Volunteer Information Tent located next to the registration tent.

Volunteer Pets

It is important to note that you may be fully occupied during the event so we request that you do not bring your own pet, or young children along.

Handbags and other personal belongings

Please do not bring handbags etc to the site as there is nowhere to safely store them. The RSPCA cannot take responsibility for personal belongings.

Under 18's Volunteer

All RSPCA Event Volunteers must be aged 18+.

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Shift times

You will have been allocated one of the following shift times:

AM (7am - 12pm)

PM (11am - 4pm)

We request your support should changes in roster or role assignments be required. Some changes may need to be made to fill any roster shortfalls. All volunteers will be required to be available in the position appointed for the duration of the shift.

Reporting absenteeism/sickness

If you are unable to arrive for your shift due to illness, or other reasons, please contact the Volunteer Department on 9209 9321.

Dress code

You will be provided with a T-Shirt which you are required to wear while on duty.

Grievance procedure and termination

A volunteer may be released from duty by the Volunteer Coordinator if they fail to meet basic standards of professionalism that are essential to performance, as required by the RSPCA. Any such instances will be referred to the Executive Manager of the RSPCA.

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Security

Volunteers are required to take care of their personal possessions. We advise you to bring as little as possible and to carry valuables (eg. keys/cash) on you.

Lunch

You will also be given a meal voucher which can be redeemed at the staff BBQ for your lunch.

Job roles

You will be moving around as required during the day - please go directly to your allocated areas and if you are not busy please report back to the volunteer tent for additional duties in order that no area is under staffed.

Money

Money will be collected periodically throughout the event by RSPCA staff and a Security person ONLY. If you need change please advise a staff member who will arrange it for your area.

RSPCA Staff

RSPCA Staff can be identified by blue t-shirts and all have mobile phones and or walkie talkies.

If you need to contact a staff member urgently one will be located all day at Registrations, Merchandise, Shelter and Corporate marquees.

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Water

Please ensure that you bring your own, clearly marked water bottle and please ensure you keep yourself well hydrated.

Communication

Volunteers are the 'front line' for the event, and first impressions can last. As a key part of the event please adhere to the following communication procedures;

• Never give out information if you are unsure. Incorrect information can travel very quickly and create tremendous confusion. If in doubt ask the Volunteer Coordinator.

• Be approachable. Look at people when you talk to them, or when they talk to you and show attentiveness.

• Be careful when you are very busy or in a hurry not to show annoyance or agitation when approached with a question. Try to help as quickly as you can, or seek the assistance of another volunteer. Never ignore or brush aside approaches for assistance.

Volunteer Waiver

By attending as a volunteer you understand that you work at your own risk and are deemed to have agreed to release the RSPCA WA (Inc) of any claim arising as a result of or in connection with participation as a volunteer. If this causes any difficulty let us know prior to the even t.

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Medical and safety issues

Please discuss with the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any medical conditions that may affect your performance, or that organisers should know of in event the condition may become life threatening.

You should also notify the Volunteer Coordinator on 9209 9321, 24 hrs prior to attendance if your health or medical condition has changed to a point that it may affect your ability to carry out your duties effectively or have an adverse affect on your health.

While you are a volunteer, personal safety and health should remain a priority. Duties and tasks require manual handling, muscular energy, exposure to radiation (U.V.) and heat and potential trip and fall hazards.

The following information is provided to remind all Volunteers of the proper techniques and practices to avoid personal injury or ill health.

Manual handling

Much of the equipment and infrastructure must be manually put in place. Manual handling tasks, present a significant risk to individuals through injury. Manual handling is more than just keeping your back straight, knees bent and lifting properly, it includes;

• Carrying

• Pushing and pulling

• Holding or restraining

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The risk of injury caused by manual handling is also more than just about the weight of the object, it also includes;

• Size, shape and weight of the object and forces required (push, pull, restrain).

• Sudden or unexpected jarring movements.

• Awkward movements (twisting, bending, over reaching).

• Fixed postures and for how long a task is performed.

• Personal factors (age, physical dimensions, disabilities).

As such, the following techniques should be remembered and implemented when lifting or when muscular energy is required.

• Where the weight of an object exceeds 10kg, seek assistance from another person to carry the load.

• Keep back straight and knees bent when lifting.

• Keep the load close to the body during movement.

• Avoid excessive bending of the back.

• Avoid rotation/twisting of the trunk during the lifting movement and replacement of the object.

• Avoid lifting below mid thigh height.

• Avoid handling loads with one hand.

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Sun exposure

Over-exposure to the sun, when combined with physical activity can lead to a possible incident of life threatening dehydration and heat stroke. Further, exposure of the skin to the sun, severe enough to cause redness, is a burning episode that increases the likelihood of skin cancer at a later point in life.

Avoid sunburn by taking the following precautions;

Apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to first going out in the sun and then every two hours.

• Wear a wide brim hat that offers protection to the nose, ears and neck.

• When it is not necessary to be in the sun, seek refuge in an area of shade.

Dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of bodily fluids to the detriment of adequate mineral/ electrolyte balance in the blood. It is usually caused by continued activity in, or overexposure to, hot or humid conditions that leads to excessive fluid loss. If left unchecked, dehydration can lead to heat stroke. This is a potentially life threatening condition where the body ceases to produce sweat and the natural cooling mechanisms fail.

To avoid dehydration take the following precautions;

• Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure that water is drunk in conjunction with any sports and carbonated drinks.

• Keep out of the sun unless necessary, particularly between 12.00am and 4.00pm.

• Take appropriate breaks from volunteer activity as directed by your volunteer Co-ordinator.

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Fa lls/tri pS

Please be aware of your own and others' safety when erecting or dismantling equipment. If you are required to use a ladder ensure that a firm, even base is achieved and that a second person at the base is stabilising the ladder. The second person system is essential where it is not practical to tie the ladder off for support.

Should a volunteer have a fall or trip over, they must notify the volunteer manager.

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Volunteer Roles

YEllOW

Food and merch

Helping prepare and sell food, drink and merchandise.

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Guidelines for Marshalls

• People and pets must not enter the water. Please ask people firmly, but nicely to stay out of the water. If they continue to ignore requests, do not pursue.

• Dogs must be on leads at all times. Remind people that this is for their own safety and the safety of their pets. This is a condition of entry.

• Have some poo bags available to offer anyone who might not pick up their dog's droppings. Alert

people who may not have noticed their dog doing a poo.

• Pick up any poo not picked up by owners (sorry!)

• Ensure people stay to grass areas and pathways. Direct them away from roads and carparks.

• Remove any rubbish on the course, particularly dangerous items eg, broken glass.

• Marshalls are required to stay in position until the walk is completely finished, or until relieved by another volunteer. Please do not leave your post unless advised to do so by an RSPCA staff member.

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