Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. (MAARS) - Bird adoption, sanctuary, rescue, and care education services for parrots and other captive exotic 'pet' birds. News & Event

Home > News & Events > MAARSianChronicles > Issue 14: February 2006 > Volunteer Highlights: Just How Amazing Are MAARS Volunteers?

Volunteer Highlights

The MAARS Volunteer Staff does an amazing job of caring for the 150 birds housed at The Landing — 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Just How Amazing Are MAARS Volunteers?

by Jamie McCarthy, MAARS Volunteer & Training Director

We say it all the time…MAARS Volunteers are amazing! And we mean it!

MAARS is incredibly fortunate to have the dedicated Volunteer Staff that run the MAARS Shelter, The Landing. MAARS Volunteer Staff are responsible for attending to all the physical and emotional needs of the MAARS Flock. With a flock of approximately 150 birds, daily care and enrichment requires considerable time and effort. The MAARS Volunteer Staff have more than earned our respect, admiration, and praise!

As we begin a new year, I thought it would be appropriate to list some of the major accomplishments of the MAARS Volunteer Staff during 2005:

	More than 82% of MAARS Volunteers have been volunteering for at least 1 year
	50% of active MAARS Volunteers have been volunteering for at least 3 years
	MAARS Volunteers donate 3.5 times the national average of volunteer hours
	MAARS Care Standards have been recognized for excellence nationally and internationally

With our experienced Volunteer Staff, MAARS has been able to place more birds than any other avian adoption organization in the country. Because of their dedication, skills, and compassion, the MAARS Volunteer Staff have also helped to improve and enrich the lives of many, many birds who were once misunderstood, neglected, fearful, or isolated.

Positions Available!

Event Committee – Do you love to plan a good party? Come join the MAARS Event Committee, and help plan and run our annual Silent Auction Gala. The Gala takes place in late October/early November each year and helps to raise crucial funds that go towards feeding and caring for the flock all year. Planning meetings will begin in February. This is a great way to help MAARS if you are unable to commit to a regular shift. Time commitment varies and increases as the event date approaches. If you are interested in joining the Event Committee, please e-mail to Jamie, MAARS Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@maars2.org.

Flock Care Staff – MAARS Volunteer Staff are responsible for all aspects of flock care. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to one 4-hour-per-week shift to help care for the birds at our shelter, The Landing, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Shifts run Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Current openings: Saturday, Thursday AM, and Thursday PM.

If you are interested in volunteering at the MAARS shelter, please complete a Volunteer Application. New Volunteers will be scheduled for orientation on a first-come, first-serve basis and are required to attend the MAARS Basic Bird Care Class. Space is limited, so submit your Volunteer Application today! If you have any questions, please e-mail Jamie, MAARS Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@maars2.org.

Return to Top