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Petstock Foundation Christmas Project: Supporting Story Dogs and Animal Therapy Across Australia
The Foundation is partnering with national volunteer-driven charities, Story Dogs and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Australia, to expand access to life-changing services that deliver comfort, care, and connection to those who need it most.
The Profound Role of Assistance Animals
Naomi Mancktelow from the Petstock Foundation said the campaign showcases the profound role animals play in supporting human wellbeing.
“This campaign is about helping Australians who need it most and helping them find comfort and hope through the companionship of animals,” Naomi said.“Both RDA and Story Dogs help more than 3,000 Australians every week access the unique emotional and physical benefits of animal assisted programs. But there are still hundreds of schools and families on waitlists for support from a number of assistance animal programs across Australia.
“By donating just $2 to the Petstock Foundation, you can help fund programs like RDA and Story Dogs, that bring reading dogs and assistance horses to communities across the country,” Naomi said.
Reading for Confidence: Focus on Story Dogs
Story Dogs Co Founder and Managing Director, Janine Sigley, said the demand for the reading program is higher than ever as schools see the impact on children’s confidence across the country.
“Each week more than 2,900 children are involved in our program per week across over 400 schools. But even still, our waiting list is over 500 schools long.”
Horse Power: Supporting RDA Australia
RDA Victoria CEO, James Lantry, said the organisation operates more than 70 centres nationwide, providing horse-assisted activities, and is determined to double the number of kids it can help by the end of 2026.
“I cannot tell you how it feels to see kids, and there are some kids with significant support needs, to see them just light up as they are lifted onto their horse for their weekly ride,” James said.
“Because of that joy, we are determined in our goal, and the Foundation's Christmas Project will see more of our kids' lives enriched and changed forever.
“Our organisation is almost entirely volunteer-run, and the effect horses have on our kids is profound. Without support and funding from donations like this, our organisation would simply cease to exist. Your donation means more children will experience the joy and independence that comes from their weekly ride,” James said.
Give the Gift of Healing This Christmas
This Christmas, Australians are encouraged to give the gift of healing and help more people experience the comfort and care of assistance animals.
- Donate just $2 in store or online. Visit any Petstock store nationwide or head to petstock.com.au to make a direct donation. Just $2 can help support healing with an assistance animal this Christmas.
- Every dollar makes a difference. 100% of funds donated to the Foundation supports its charitable partners and projects like the Christmas Project with all operating costs covered by the business.
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 $14 million to date and has found homes for more than 41,000 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.
About Story Dogs Australia
About Story Dogs Australia
Story Dogs is a reading support program suited to Year 2 level with a BIG difference. The program uses trained and accredited dogs to create the magic which sees students wanting to read and gives them so much self-confidence. A Story Dogs volunteer Dog Team (the owner of the dog and the dog) goes into a school and sees the same four to five students chosen by the classroom teacher. Each student spends 20 minutes with the Dog Team, one on one, in a space outside of the classroom. The dog does not come into the classroom unless invited, so as to minimise disruptions. Story Dogs operates Australia-wide.
About Riding for the Disabled Association Australia
About Riding for the Disabled Association Australia
Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, therapeutic, horse-related activities in Australia. RDA Australia supports State and Associate Members to enable people living with disabilities or additional support needs to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through equestrian activities to improve their quality of life, attain personal goals and develop life skills.
