This week we get to know Adrian Burder from Dogs Trust: fundraiser, former punk, and wannabe train driver
Why and how did you get into the fundraising sector?
I’d been interested in animal welfare since early childhood. Then, back in the late 1980’s, I decided to become a vegetarian, jack in my job at the Post Office and find a job in animal welfare. I managed to bluff my way into a job as a fundraising officer at BUAV. To be honest, at the time I’d have taken any job on offer, but landing a job in fundraising turned out to be a lucky break.
What do you love most about your job?
The people. We’re a relentlessly positive bunch at Dogs Trust and it’s a joy to work in such an upbeat team.
Give us an unusual fact that people might not know about you?
Back in the days of punk, I was a drummer in a band called the Industrial Chipmunks. For reasons I still can’t fathom, I assumed the stage name Nik Stepanovic.
What would be your superpower?
The power to heal. Seeing loved ones in failing health is unbearable.
What has been your proudest achievement?
I went to a church school. We were taught Proverbs 16:18: “Pride comes before disaster and a haughty spirit before a fall”. I’m not particularly religious now, but I can’t get those lines out of my head. So I try to avoid the ‘pride’ word. But I do feel privileged to work at an organisation that has done so much for dog welfare.
If you weren't in fundraising, what would you like to do instead?
Drive an Amtrak train. Chicago to San Francisco. I’d be happy as a pig in poo.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Not advice as such, but I read a lovely quote from Leonard Bernstein recently: “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time”. It’s been hectically busy over the last couple of months and those words have been on my mind a lot.
What's your best piece of advice for other fundraisers?
Only work at a charity where the CEO and trustees are supportive of fundraising and willing to let you get on with your job.
What makes you happy?
A family day out on Newgale Beach in Pembrokeshire. Whatever the weather. Bliss.
Adrian Burder is marketing director at Dogs Trust