Meet Dave, our Logistics Operative at RSPCA Hull and East Riding. Dave has been an invaluable member of our team for over a year, bringing hard work and expertise ensuring that the smooth running of our Distribution Centre to keep the four charity shops stocked and engaging with the public on collections.
Let’s get to know him a bit better and learn about his role with us!
What is the best thing about working for the RSPCA Hull & East Riding branch?
Working for an animal charity has been on my bucket list for a long time now, and what I really like about the RSPCA in Hull being a local branch is that I get to explain this to our customers who simply see the adverts on the TV and think we are supported and funded by the national operation. They are usually shocked when they find out that’s not the case which makes all their donations even more important I tell them.
In your own words, what is your role at the RSPCA Hull & East Riding?
My job is to keep things moving—literally. I make sure donated goods get from A to B, whether that’s from a donor’s house to one of our shops, or from the distribution centre to an event. I help sort donations, collect and deliver stock, and make sure everything is safe, clean, and sale-ready. I also do PAT testing on electricals and support fundraising events when needed. It’s all about making sure our retail side runs smoothly so we can bring in as much money as possible to support the animals.
Part of your job is managing donations – what can people donate and how do they go about doing so?
We gratefully accept unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags, books, DVDs, media, bric-a-brac, small electrical goods, and small pieces of furniture. These donations help us raise vital funds to support the care of animals at our centre. People drop items off at any of our 4 RSPCA Hull & East Riding shops and the Animal Rescue Centre on Clough Road, or you can arrange a collection by calling your local shop directly.
Are there any items you can’t accept?
Yes, unfortunately there are a few things we can’t take due to safety or resale regulations. Sometimes, if unsuitable items are dropped off, we end up having to pay to dispose of them—which takes funds away from the animals. Please check with your local shop before donating to ensure your items can be accepted. They’ll be happy to provide a full list of items we can and can’t receive.
How would you describe your average day?
I start by planning in all of the agreed customer collections, shop deliveries, donation collection etc which gives me a guide for the day. More often than not that goes out of the window when my phone rings lol! There needs to be more hours in the day, and less traffic on the roads lol
What is your favourite, dogs or cats ?
Cats, cats and more cats please. I love their independent nature, their sassy attitude and the fact they just do their own thing. Usually !
