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The Christmas Project inspires Australians to create magic for children through pets and therapy animals.
This festive season, the Petstock Foundation is taking action to inspire magic for children in need. With a goal to raise $800,000 for children experiencing hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is on a mission to empower children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and therapy animals.
To support the mission, from October 31 to December 24, money raised through the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project will be donated to children-focused charity partners, creating a special Christmas for many children.
The campaign aims to give funds raised to charity partners who provide services that allow children in need to gain freedom and independence through school support, equine assistance, and therapy animals.
Charity partners selected to benefit this Christmas are Make-A-Wish Australia (Nationally), MacKillop Family Services (VIC), Cowboys 4 Kids (NSW), Very Special Kids (VIC), Smart Pups (QLD), HorsePower (WA) and Riding for the Disabled Association (SA and TAS).
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| Smart Pups (QLD) train assistance dogs helping children with disabilities |
Past research indicates that the rising cost of living significantly and negatively impacts a large portion of people already in need this Christmas [1] and many people will struggle to pay at least one of their essential bills at Christmas, such as food, household utilities, or rent [2].
With the financial crisis here to stay, alarmingly these results are likely set to rise, showing the cost of living impacts are felt the most by people who are already facing hardship and require support. It’s more important than ever to donate where you can, to support the wonderful work The Petstock Foundation’s partner children’s charities do day in, day out.
Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis says, “This Christmas, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is empowering children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and animals. Thousands of children each year experience hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability through no fault of their own. It’s heart-breaking to think many children around the country will be too unwell, or families not in a position financially to create the wonderful childhood Christmas magic that many of us have fond memories of.
“We’re giving Australians the opportunity to make an impact this Christmas, and are encouraging people to support The Christmas Project by purchasing a Christmas bauble decoration in store or online.”
Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis says, “This Christmas, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is empowering children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and animals. Thousands of children each year experience hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability through no fault of their own. It’s heart-breaking to think many children around the country will be too unwell, or families not in a position financially to create the wonderful childhood Christmas magic that many of us have fond memories of.
“All funds from bauble purchases will go towards the Project, and will go far to help take the pressure off families and make Christmas feel special for children in need. Donations can also be made at your local store or online.”
Jessica continues, “At the Petstock Foundation, we believe the strong bond and unconditional love many children feel for their pets and animals is truly special to observe, and is proof of the positive impact animals can have on the lives of children, particularly those facing challenges.”
Recent studies suggest more than 14,000 Australian children are living with a life-threatening illness [3], with approximately 2,400 babies born with a heart condition each year [4], and 1,000 children aged 0-19 years diagnosed with cancer every year [5]. These statistics alone are just a small example of community needs for extra support through these incredible charities. The impact these conditions can have on the lives of children and their families is huge, and many need our support to fight for their future.
National charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia will use their share of funds raised to help grant life-changing wishes for sick kids across the country.
Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said that the charity relies on the incredible generosity and support from the community to make wishes possible.
“We are very grateful to the Petstock Foundation for its ongoing partnership and for its Christmas Project initiative. The Foundation’s wonderful support will help us to bring hope and joy to some of the 900 wish kids who are currently on their Wish Journey.
Jessica continues, “At the Petstock Foundation, we believe the strong bond and unconditional love many children feel for their pets and animals is truly special to observe, and is proof of the positive impact animals can have on the lives of children, particularly those facing challenges.”
Recent studies suggest more than 14,000 Australian children are living with a life-threatening illness [3], with approximately 2,400 babies born with a heart condition each year [4], and 1,000 children aged 0-19 years diagnosed with cancer every year [5]. These statistics alone are just a small example of community needs for extra support through these incredible charities. The impact these conditions can have on the lives of children and their families is huge, and many need our support to fight for their future.
National charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia will use their share of funds raised to help grant life-changing wishes for sick kids across the country.
Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said that the charity relies on the incredible generosity and support from the community to make wishes possible.
“We are very grateful to the Petstock Foundation for its ongoing partnership and for its Christmas Project initiative. The Foundation’s wonderful support will help us to bring hope and joy to some of the 900 wish kids who are currently on their Wish Journey.
The Petstock Foundation is currently helping us to grant our horse-related wishes across the country, while the funds raised from the Christmas Project will help us grant a wide range of wishes for critically ill kids, including some of our ever-popular pet wishes. Pet wishes can provide sick kids with companionship while helping them reduce anxiety. With the charity receiving no government funding, we rely on initiatives like the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project and the incredible generosity of the Australian public to help make these life-changing wishes a reality.”
To get involved, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to donate by purchasing Christmas bauble in store at Petstock stores nationally, by rounding up purchases in store, or donating online.
To get involved, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to donate by purchasing Christmas bauble in store at Petstock stores nationally, by rounding up purchases in store, or donating online.
The Christmas Project - Campaign Summary
What donations will go towards
✔️ 100% of funds raised by the Petstock Foundation nationwide in November and December will be donated to the The Christmas Project charity partners to enable them to create a better future for children this Christmas.
✔️ Fundraising programs like the The Christmas Project allow charities focussing on improving the lives of children to groups to grow and more effectively deliver greater services to the children facing hardship.
How can you help
✔️ From October 31 until Christmas, purchase a Christmas bauble from Petstock, with all funds going towards The Christmas Project.
✔️ By rounding up purchases at Petstock stores nationwide or by donating online.
✔️ In celebration of The Christmas Project, Petstock stores will be hosting a Children’s Weekend on December 9th and 10th, which will see fun activities for children take place including a colouring competition, live animals for petting and store team members dressing up in Christmas theme.
✔️ Visit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit petstock.com.au for more information – 100% of funds raised goes to our purpose!
References
1, 2 Salvation Army 2022 Christmas research
4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) Congenital heart disease in Australia, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 01 November 2023.
5 Aihw.gov.au
About the Petstock Foundation
5 Aihw.gov.au
About the Petstock Foundation
The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.
MEDIA RELEASE, 16th November 2023
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