Tell me a little about you – occupation, hobbies, personal life, pets etc.
Hi, I am Rahul! My career has been spent working in HR and Operations in retail (with a stint in
hospitality). I completed my MBA in 2022 and got my MCIPD qualification to pursue my career in
people leadership.
I have too many hobbies to list but have recently been trying to revisit my. I got married in 2021 and
we got our first dog together shortly after in 2022, Gaia (a cockapoo). Recently we have launched a
jewellery business, which is much more Louis’ world than mine!
I also sit on the board of Creative Mentor Network, a charity focussed on driving opportunities for those from low socioeconomic backgrounds to work in the creative industries.
How long have you been an RSPCA trustee?
Since June 2022.
As a trustee, what are your responsibilities?
My role is to leverage my retail expertise to support the branch manager in maximising shop
revenues as this plays such a vital part in our fundraising efforts. I’m also responsible for exploring
any new retail avenues that we can engage with and excitingly, we were recently able to open a new
shop in Tooting.
Alongside this, I work with the other trustees in our monthly meetings to keep the branch ticking
over! I continue to promote the work of the local RSPCA branch whenever I can by volunteering for
events.
Why did you become a trustee of RSPCA?
Animals have always been really important to me! We always had a dog in the house ever since I
was a child. The RSPCA’s broad scope and wide-ranging activities made it an attractive organisation
to work with.
Given increased pet ownership during Covid there were unfortunately bound to be more
abandonments. This means that the RSPCA will became busier than ever and will need more
help than ever.
Do you have a message for our followers/supporters/volunteers?
Thank you so much for everything you do! Every bit of time, money, reposting, helps this amazing
charity do its work. Please keep up spreading the word and make sure to subscribe to our website if you
don’t already.
Remember that by shopping with us, you are helping a great charity and supporting sustainability at
the same time. We always need things to sell so please keep donating to the shops whenever you
can!
What is your favourite domestic and favourite British wild animal, and
why?
Of course, I am going to say that I love dogs! I grew up around Cocker Spaniels and Collies.
Cockapoos now also have a soft spot in my heart!
When I was younger there was a local myth that a Panther or similar big cat had escaped and used to
roam the area. I can’t confirm it was there but they always seemed majestic! Of things that I have
seen, it would have to be hedgehogs!
Do you have an amusing/heart-warming animal related anecdote, story or
joke that you can share?
Our first dog Flo was an abnormally smart Cocker Spaniel! She also seemed to have a habit of eating
things that she wasn’t supposed to.
One Christmas, myself and my brother snuck to the Christmas tree which had had some of those
chocolate decorations a little higher up the tree.
When we got there, we found that there were wrappers hanging still in place but that there were no
chocolates inside at all!
A little later, they got replaced and Flo was seen climbing on the adjacent sofa and managing to
unwrap them, get at what was inside and leave them looking like a normal decoration.
Fortunately, she was able to be stopped and she hadn’t shown any side affects from any of her
previous dalliances. Suffice to say, they never went on a tree again!
Is there anything else to share?
I am super excited about what 2024 has to bring for the branch now that we have our Tooting store
open! Onwards and upwards!
RSPCA South London - For Every Kind Of Creature 