A SALISBURY charity is appealing for volunteers and as thoughts soon go to New Year’s resolutions, some people might be considering giving their time to charity.

The Salisbury branch of the Cats Protection league is run entirely by volunteers and currently has 20 active members.

The charity aims to help stray and unwanted cats and kittens by rehoming them, encouraging neutering and informing the public about the care of cats and kittens.

On average the Salisbury branch can rescue and rehome about 500 cats and kittens in one year, but say more could be helped if they had more volunteers.

Volunteer Stacey Boshier said: “Volunteering for Cats Protection is rewarding and you really feel like you are making a difference to cats in the Salisbury area.

“I would encourage any cat owners with their own healthy cats to get involved.

“I started volunteering for the branch about six months ago as secretary and fundraiser and although not directly helping the cats, I am putting my skills to good use in raising money at events and raising awareness.

“Whatever time and skills you have to offer, we can find something that will suit you.”

Some of the roles volunteers could take include organising a fundraising event for the branch next year. This could be anything from holding collection tins outside a supermarket to manning raffles at local shows in the summer.

Those with good administration skills could help take minutes at meetings, keep a track of the volunteer database and send thank you letters to volunteers and stores that let the charity fundraise.

A cat lover with a spare bedroom could foster cats before they find a new home.

Those with only a few hours a month to give could go on the volunteers’ database to call on to help at events.

Such help will normally consist of two hours of collecting money and talking to the public. A friendly smile is all that is needed.

People are also needed to help out in the marketing of the branch and anyone with a landline and a good telephone could man the helpline for a day a week.

For more information on any of these roles contact Salisbury Cats Protection League on 08453 712068.