Volunteering is mane aim as apprentices muck in at pony sanctuary
A team of nine Plymouth City Council apprentices turned up to volunteer at Ponderosa Pony Sanctuary on Saturday as part of a number of community projects they are getting stuck into.
Fresh faced, excited and eager to help, the team got in touch with Efford’s sanctuary after a local plea for volunteers, offering their free time and help to this charity.
The eager apprentices helped maintain the land, care for the ponies and got involved in general stable maintenance.
Helping out at Ponderosa is one of many community projects the apprentices are planning as they prepare to get involved in a national challenge organised by the Brathay Trust and the National Apprenticeship Challenge.
These projects include cooking at George House Homeless Shelter, volunteering at Lelant Care Home and working with Beckley House, these will all take place during and around National Apprenticeship Week which runs from Monday 3 to Friday 7 March.
Natasha White, business administration apprentice said: “I feel really privileged to be working with such a talented group of young people and I am extremely proud of what we are achieving. Although this has come about as part of the challenge volunteering to give something back to the community really does make you feel like you are doing some worthwhile. We have all had a fantastic time at Ponderosa.”
Dave Clark from Ponderosa Pony Sanctuary added: “Having the team here today has been lovely. They have worked really hard and we would like to thank them and wish them good luck for the Brathay challenge. We hope this has inspired more volunteers to contact us.”
The apprentices are all working towards a variety of NVQ qualifications including business admin, customer services, IT and project management. The community projects will help them manage a project from planning through to delivery – testing their team work skills as well as organisation.
For more information about Ponderosa Pony Sanctuary visit www.ponderosaponys.co.uk
