In this time of ongoing crises, we have all been bombarded with calls for action to help people subjected to poverty, hunger, illness and war — and to help animals in jeopardy. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed and helpless, and to look away, but you can ask any volunteer and they will tell you – what they get far outweighs what they give. The spirit of service – the willingness of people to serve without expecting anything in return – is needed now more than ever.
The EQUUS Foundation’s Champions program sponsored by Ariat International was established to stimulate and reward volunteerism. Each and every volunteer deserves recognition regardless of the number of hours they can commit — which is why we are making a sweeping change to the Champions program to honor all volunteers at organizations participating on the Equine Welfare Network.
Going forward, all individuals who volunteer for organizations participating on the Equine Welfare Network will be automatically enrolled in the Champions program, be recognized for their service here, and be eligible to receive Champion benefits WITHOUT POSTING LOGS OF THEIR VOLUNTEER HOURS.
It’s easy! Volunteers simply sign up here and designate the name of the organization where they volunteer. The posting of volunteer logs is no longer required.
Participating organizations can also sign up their volunteers by logging into their organization’s Equine Welfare Network profile and clicking CHAMPIONS: VOLUNTEER SIGN UP.
The EQUUS Foundation only communicates with volunteers regarding their participation in the Champions program and to share EQUUS Foundation news, which they can opt to unsubscribe. The volunteers of participating organizations are not contacted for any other purpose.
All volunteers who sign up will be eligible for our quarterly drawing where five recipients will receive a gift card for Ariat boots valued at $270.
2021 Champions who received Ariat Gift Cards for Boots
We are expanding the Win A Grant program and dedicating a minimum of $5,000 in grants to be awarded to Guardian charities with volunteers participating in the Champions Program.
At least ten Guardian charities will be selected randomly to receive a grant of $500 based on their volunteer participation in the Champions program. We encourage all volunteers to sign up by December 31 to improve their organization’s chances to Win A Grant!
NOTE: As of January 1, 2022, we are discontinuing the Champion Scholarship program, however, we are exploring other ways we can help at the national level to reward volunteers for their service and to support organizations with their efforts to recruit and maintain volunteers. Please let us know your ideas and thoughts here! Please include your name and the name of the organization with whom you are associated.
