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RESCUE"},{"term":"ANIMAL WELFATRE"},{"term":"AUSTRALIAN MADE WEEK"},{"term":"BEST OF"},{"term":"BLIND DOGS"},{"term":"BOXER"},{"term":"BRACHYCEPHALIC"},{"term":"CAMPLIFY"},{"term":"CANCELLED EVENTS"},{"term":"CANINE LYMPHONA"},{"term":"CHRISTMAS BOX"},{"term":"COBBER CHALLENGE"},{"term":"COST OF LIVING"},{"term":"DACHSHUND"},{"term":"DINGO"},{"term":"DOG ACTORS"},{"term":"DOG COSTUMES"},{"term":"DOG MOTION SICKNESS"},{"term":"DOG SUBSCRIPTION BOX"},{"term":"DOG WALKERS"},{"term":"EXHIBITION"},{"term":"FARM DOGS"},{"term":"FITPAWS"},{"term":"GENETICS"},{"term":"GIFT GUIDE"},{"term":"HEART DISEASE"},{"term":"HEARTWORM"},{"term":"HERO STORIES"},{"term":"HOMELESS"},{"term":"MELBOURNE"},{"term":"MOST POPULAR"},{"term":"MUSIC THERAPY"},{"term":"MUSICAL"},{"term":"NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH"},{"term":"OLD EVENTS"},{"term":"OLD REVIEWS"},{"term":"ORGANIC"},{"term":"PET BOARDING"},{"term":"PET EXPOS"},{"term":"PET MINDING"},{"term":"PET STROLLERS"},{"term":"PETS \u0026 PLANTS"},{"term":"PETSTOCK PAST EVENTS"},{"term":"REACTIVITY"},{"term":"REGULATIONS"},{"term":"REHABILITATION"},{"term":"RESCUE DOGS"},{"term":"SASH"},{"term":"SEEING EYE DOGS"},{"term":"STANDARDS"},{"term":"STORY DOGS"},{"term":"SURVEY"},{"term":"TELEHEALTH"},{"term":"TOILET TRAINING"},{"term":"TREATS"},{"term":"TRENDS"},{"term":"US APP"},{"term":"WET FOOD"},{"term":"WILLS"},{"term":"WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"Australian Dog Lover is the No.1 digital monthly magazine and website for dog lovers everywhere. We cover Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Dog Behaviour; Dog Training Advice, Dog Events, the latest Dog Products and Services in Australia, Dog Product Reviews, Lifestyle, Gift Guides, Rescue Dog Stories, Dog Lovers Book Club etc."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/CHARITY?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/search\/label\/CHARITY"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/-\/CHARITY\/-\/CHARITY?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"24"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-1963330186711941344"},"published":{"$t":"2023-09-05T15:26:00.005+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-09-09T14:15:44.892+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"WILLS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Guide Dogs encourages Gifts in Wills"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5prBO2R1T6-VYREiz-G1--MEWI2XLVefEDicAPr3pnGkIZ-sDnd3Xn6lt79ohMX_HcAUnMcHJS5OlduU7FaYES5drlFXxw_Gy1yJ0Jxt82PzPWAviSdgv3nYIv5VON6pDMnJoOERtMVK7uNJ4ugmwVEu2oJEIJmx1Uq3HTaUFTZXH7sW52AJHcOFc9Lk\/s1850\/Guide_Dogs_Australia_W_Litter_encouraging_more_Gifts_in_Wills_donations%20-%20newborn%20cream%20Labrador%20puppy.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1388\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5prBO2R1T6-VYREiz-G1--MEWI2XLVefEDicAPr3pnGkIZ-sDnd3Xn6lt79ohMX_HcAUnMcHJS5OlduU7FaYES5drlFXxw_Gy1yJ0Jxt82PzPWAviSdgv3nYIv5VON6pDMnJoOERtMVK7uNJ4ugmwVEu2oJEIJmx1Uq3HTaUFTZXH7sW52AJHcOFc9Lk\/s16000\/Guide_Dogs_Australia_W_Litter_encouraging_more_Gifts_in_Wills_donations%20-%20newborn%20cream%20Labrador%20puppy.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003ELeave a lasting legacy: Guide Dogs encourages charitable gifts in wills\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIn honour of this year’s ‘\u003Cb\u003EInclude a Charity Week\u003C\/b\u003E’ (\u003Cb\u003ESeptember 4-10\u003C\/b\u003E), \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E \u0026amp; \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs NSW \/ACT\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E have named a litter of puppies the “W” litter, encouraging people to leave a meaningful legacy by making Gift in Will donation for someone with low vision or blindness. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe litter of puppies will be introduced to Guide Dogs supporters at a virtual event held on \u003Cb\u003EWednesday 6th of September\u003C\/b\u003E, who will be invited to then follow the litter’s journey to becoming a Guide or Therapy Dog. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjUsqTh8DxvRiq84Agjjqkd1DU3awwWcMnSdR3i6ASiYmHOdWp_2QLaH7XQxJOOx_u7O7tkT8XXOU1Ft9xvIHldIz-ReTgxyQnQav0YVSdqbzywRyi5HZ4d0vffy-vZ9Z2a2ak1C5D9JQQ3jQsEGQBuEAZh6IjIVmrGKZFLnpN4Arss2qbtbLHW_LEMDPA\/s1325\/Include_a_Charity_Week_September_2023%20-%20Guide_Dogs_Australia_W-Litter_puppies_and_mum_smiling.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1325\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjUsqTh8DxvRiq84Agjjqkd1DU3awwWcMnSdR3i6ASiYmHOdWp_2QLaH7XQxJOOx_u7O7tkT8XXOU1Ft9xvIHldIz-ReTgxyQnQav0YVSdqbzywRyi5HZ4d0vffy-vZ9Z2a2ak1C5D9JQQ3jQsEGQBuEAZh6IjIVmrGKZFLnpN4Arss2qbtbLHW_LEMDPA\/w363-h400\/Include_a_Charity_Week_September_2023%20-%20Guide_Dogs_Australia_W-Litter_puppies_and_mum_smiling.jpg\" width=\"363\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EThe “W” litter of Willa, Wilma, Wilkie, Willoughby, Wilbur, Wilson, Wilfred, and Wiley also includes Kelly, a pup who was named by the family of Adrian Van De Bunt, who left a Gift in his Will to \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, highlighting the power of a legacy living on, even after someone has passed. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ECarolina Royans, niece of Adrian and Executor, says that giving someone the opportunity to contribute to a cause they were passionate about means their wishes will live on. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“My uncle left a life-changing gift in his will to Guide Dogs, a cause that he was extremely passionate about,” Carolina says.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“Including a charity in your will is a beautiful way to leave lasting legacy, something even more special than a tangible gift - a life-changing contribution long after you have gone.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EFor one week each September, organisation \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.includeacharity.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EInclude a Charity\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E amplifies the gift of giving in your will, raising the profile of charitable organisations and encouraging people to leave a positive impact on society through Estate contributions.  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESally Biles, General Manager of Planned Giving for \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs Victoria \u0026amp; NSW\/ACT\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, explains the impact of gift in wills. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgh_Vvy-2KAmgIRPZ8oMTqjzn3lW76p3KP46LN5quP9J616HU3eLLNN9jKRCl5VkEtoWaG05DZqs9DTcxGDYHtmg946SQ36uhVzo0Yzi8xbTuLCLKqgrNXQb1qeBdNBC11Z6Aoij9pBjTU2QYbwUczEdkMnsMwVTJAI6g7R8XY20pjDq5qR7kkggBRNfuM\/s1600\/Guide_Dogs_Australia_adult_cream_Labrador_Lynney_after_graduation.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgh_Vvy-2KAmgIRPZ8oMTqjzn3lW76p3KP46LN5quP9J616HU3eLLNN9jKRCl5VkEtoWaG05DZqs9DTcxGDYHtmg946SQ36uhVzo0Yzi8xbTuLCLKqgrNXQb1qeBdNBC11Z6Aoij9pBjTU2QYbwUczEdkMnsMwVTJAI6g7R8XY20pjDq5qR7kkggBRNfuM\/w300-h400\/Guide_Dogs_Australia_adult_cream_Labrador_Lynney_after_graduation.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E“Any size of bequest is a wonderful way to create incredible change. Gifts in Wills play a significant role in funding the breeding, raising and training of \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EGuide Dogs\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E together with many other services, and it is clear to see that such an important and heartfelt gesture will enable people living with low vision or blindness to lead an independent life of their choosing.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EFor more information on \u003Cb\u003EInclude a Charity week \u003C\/b\u003Eand Guide Dogs Gifts in Wills Program, visit the links below:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Program:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/guidedogs.com.au\/get-involved\/gifts-in-wills\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eguidedogs.com.au\/get-involved\/gifts-in-wills\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/guidedogs-au-nsw.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/3316935309188\/WN_DZ14bVGqT-2R5yYB9fkCwg\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EClick here\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, to register for the \"\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBehind the Harness\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\" virtual event on Zoom\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EInclude a Charity Week -\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.includeacharity.com.au\/join-us\/for-charities\/include-a-charity-week\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Ewww.includeacharity.com.au\/join-us\/for-charities\/include-a-charity-week\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjNEHASp7pKyvK3auE3BCz3wO3AJAmJGdqlofCWLJND-Ocs1w44B_I0-CZU0149c-uNE-LMGQEbU4OYlWE10CVQCGF-HQsbWoCiSgXhngGhKF28JLISi4QqVR3VJET4P2rmd6DpSf3-M0Ta93wHib3ddB_u_7B6n_r80ML5WrV0mASZkSNkFJR6nhD3IWM\/s1500\/Guide_Dogs_encouraging_Gifts_in_Wills_Donations%20-%20W%20Litter%20cream%20Labrador%20pup%20with%20siblings%20and%20toys.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1500\" data-original-width=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjNEHASp7pKyvK3auE3BCz3wO3AJAmJGdqlofCWLJND-Ocs1w44B_I0-CZU0149c-uNE-LMGQEbU4OYlWE10CVQCGF-HQsbWoCiSgXhngGhKF28JLISi4QqVR3VJET4P2rmd6DpSf3-M0Ta93wHib3ddB_u_7B6n_r80ML5WrV0mASZkSNkFJR6nhD3IWM\/s16000\/Guide_Dogs_encouraging_Gifts_in_Wills_Donations%20-%20W%20Litter%20cream%20Labrador%20pup%20with%20siblings%20and%20toys.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 4th September 2023\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/1963330186711941344\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/guide-dogs-encourages-gifts-in-wills.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1963330186711941344"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1963330186711941344"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/guide-dogs-encourages-gifts-in-wills.html","title":"Guide Dogs encourages Gifts in Wills"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi5prBO2R1T6-VYREiz-G1--MEWI2XLVefEDicAPr3pnGkIZ-sDnd3Xn6lt79ohMX_HcAUnMcHJS5OlduU7FaYES5drlFXxw_Gy1yJ0Jxt82PzPWAviSdgv3nYIv5VON6pDMnJoOERtMVK7uNJ4ugmwVEu2oJEIJmx1Uq3HTaUFTZXH7sW52AJHcOFc9Lk\/s72-c\/Guide_Dogs_Australia_W_Litter_encouraging_more_Gifts_in_Wills_donations%20-%20newborn%20cream%20Labrador%20puppy.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-6634581990925043120"},"published":{"$t":"2023-09-01T11:56:00.001+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-09-01T11:56:20.455+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"FUNDRAISER"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"PET THERAPY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"THERAPY DOGS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Donations needed to support animal-assisted therapy this September"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s16000\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EBig Hearts needed to raise $350,000 for Petstock Foundation’s animal therapy services\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThis September, the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s \u003Cb\u003EBig Hearts Project \u003C\/b\u003Eis highlighting the positive impact of animal-assisted services and the important role therapy animals have in empowering a better future for the people who need them. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EAnimal-assisted therapy, a form of therapy that incorporates animals such as dogs and horses to help people manage and overcome physical and mental health conditions, is especially close to the \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E’s heart.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESince 2007, The Foundation has raised over $10 million for its charity partners, enabling many to continue work in this space, including \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/guidedogs.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGuide Dogs Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/animaltherapies.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAnimal Therapies Limited\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.assistancedogs.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAssistance Dogs Australia\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vsk.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EVery Special Kids\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpups.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESmart Pups\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.horsepower.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHorsePower\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/rdasa.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ERiding for the Disabled Association - S.A\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ENow, the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E - the charity arm of the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Group\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E - is highlighting the positive impact therapy animals can have on people experiencing mental health conditions and physical or intellectual disability. This comes as charities are reporting growing waitlists and an increase in demand for their services [1].\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNtmgdOnkVBnJvjzYRqOs2OW2M4aNQ7yPHBTwL39oO9fFEr1IWGa5AM_FCaNZPT8n8T63ddmaEhdcOH8pu1I_QiNwxSpjRHkAHA43cMueJuiVDaGDZyOcpLVZ9MoPA-WLc6-J-9jHeb6JwMSMIptyrv2m5m_youexmNJSLwPLK72dCOa-_dODzF65ZdI0\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Fundraiser_HorsePower_Charity.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNtmgdOnkVBnJvjzYRqOs2OW2M4aNQ7yPHBTwL39oO9fFEr1IWGa5AM_FCaNZPT8n8T63ddmaEhdcOH8pu1I_QiNwxSpjRHkAHA43cMueJuiVDaGDZyOcpLVZ9MoPA-WLc6-J-9jHeb6JwMSMIptyrv2m5m_youexmNJSLwPLK72dCOa-_dODzF65ZdI0\/w400-h400\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Fundraiser_HorsePower_Charity.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EResearch has shown that people who undertook animal assisted therapy with dogs experienced reduced feelings of anxiety and loneliness [2], and horses also provided therapeutic effects including improved postural control [3], important for people who suffer from conditions that affect mobility. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWith 60% of Australians living with a disability requiring support to complete 10 or more activities for daily living [4], and autism spectrum disorder affecting 1 in 70 Australians [5], assistance animals are another way of helping people with disabilities better access public life. Providing training for one therapy animal can cost more than $60,000, and hundreds of hours, and is often only possible thanks to the generosity and big hearts of those who choose to donate to organisations like the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E aims to raise over $350,000 for animal-assisted programs most in need, through a dedicated donation program with the help of animal lovers across the country who are able to spare some change. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Therapy Dogs provide comfort, support, and companionship through facilities like courts, hospitals and schools, as well as to individuals and families with more specific needs,” \u003Cb\u003EGuide Dogs Therapy Dogs\u003C\/b\u003E Coordinator Samantha O’Keeffe said. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E“Evidence supports the positive impact Therapy Dogs have, which is why we have seen an increase in demand for these services. \u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“We’re grateful for the support of the Petstock Foundation’s Big Hearts Project, which will help us make a difference to the lives of more people.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EOperations Lead for The Petstock Foundation, Sherralea Cassidy, says, “Seeing the unparalleled impact that animals can have on the lives of people suffering from mental illness, disability and disease is a key driver in the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E's work and our commitment to supporting\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eanimal-assisted therapy programs. Together with our customers we are taking action and leading change for a better future.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLEQB3RDwVHsVQfEPyvkLhTdANWWPGk7yRz1H46XQjYs2_zBHMARPTfsbTADWJGdWHTesIW6B7pl20LY5WyLvj_KmNKqVe_KOix7aS0gUKYJ3xydEPfSM8T3PqHYTz3B_UzenXl6PIjYFBTDyUa1eLT_-UZqX8o7KsfSxLH7iLTjeImTA0MqYoPiI337A\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Riding_for_the_Disabled_SA_Charity.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgLEQB3RDwVHsVQfEPyvkLhTdANWWPGk7yRz1H46XQjYs2_zBHMARPTfsbTADWJGdWHTesIW6B7pl20LY5WyLvj_KmNKqVe_KOix7aS0gUKYJ3xydEPfSM8T3PqHYTz3B_UzenXl6PIjYFBTDyUa1eLT_-UZqX8o7KsfSxLH7iLTjeImTA0MqYoPiI337A\/w400-h400\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_Riding_for_the_Disabled_SA_Charity.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E“Assistance animals can help with anxiety and improve self-confidence, as well as provide mobility support and freedom to those with physical limitations. Having independence in everyday life is important for the mental health of many people that the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E works to support. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThere has been encouraging progress in the understanding of assistance animals for those in need, but we still have more to do - for example making workplaces more accepting and accessible for assistance animals would provide more employment options for people who require an assistance animal each day.” \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWhen individuals and families approach charities seeking help from animal-assisted services, it is often the last option available, and they are often coming from the lowest point in their life. With the cost of living continuing to rise, the impact of the financial crisis will be felt the most by people who are already facing hardship and require support. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESherralea continues, “Many not-for-profits are experiencing an increase in demand for their services, putting added pressure on organisations already struggling to keep up. Worryingly, donations are also down as people are understandably spending more carefully. It’s more important than ever to donate where you can, and we’re encouraging Australians and animal lovers to open their hearts and support the wonderful work The \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s partner animal therapy charities do day in, day out. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“With a mission to raise $350,000 during the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E in September, we’re asking people to give anything they can - whether its by rounding up your purchase or donating a gold coin, all funds financially benefit animal-assisted services, enabling them to continue to focus on the very important work they do to provide the best outcomes for each individual's needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgltMNr8rm3_FpXRxk0JLghSaejGIWjWZEOFUQ1xvAvCbZ0mW77R1mptMCiaydOQaxRI0N5lhcnQU88PkC7n78P0h1QjTwJu3WjxeW8sIzNC-b8oMinR2jlU8JkHOkAlWVVJQSgHkaGIvb6w2rxAGqWdtmQlDyxxcAiN3hDBD8FoGN-6Y341m0vTkOYA2E\/s1080\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_fundraiser_Assistance_Dogs_Australia_child_with_dog_sleeping_next_to_her.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgltMNr8rm3_FpXRxk0JLghSaejGIWjWZEOFUQ1xvAvCbZ0mW77R1mptMCiaydOQaxRI0N5lhcnQU88PkC7n78P0h1QjTwJu3WjxeW8sIzNC-b8oMinR2jlU8JkHOkAlWVVJQSgHkaGIvb6w2rxAGqWdtmQlDyxxcAiN3hDBD8FoGN-6Y341m0vTkOYA2E\/s16000\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_2023_fundraiser_Assistance_Dogs_Australia_child_with_dog_sleeping_next_to_her.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIn June, our \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/petstocks-home-town-heroes-2023.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes campaign\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E exceeded fundraising targets, allowing us to distribute\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E$106,000 to 53 localised charities nationwide,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat donations will go towards:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E100% of funds raised by the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation \u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003Eand animal lovers through \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores nationwide in September will be donated to the\u003Cb\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Project\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E charity partners to enable them to create a better future for pets and people. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EFundraising programs like the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EBig Hearts Projects\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E initiative allows animal-assisted therapy groups to grow and more effectively deliver greater services to the people that are most in need. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EFunds will also be used to support grants and partnerships for future programs and\/or organisations within the animal-assisted services sector. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow you can help:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThroughout September, by rounding up purchases at \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores nationwide or by donating \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/petspiration-foundation\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Eonline\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIn an effort to raise as many funds as possible for the Big Hearts Project, donations made during the \u003Cb\u003EMatching Weekend (September 16 and 17)\u003C\/b\u003E will be doubled by the \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E to bolster donations*.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPurchase a participating product throughout September with a portion of the funds going towards the Big Hearts Project.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EPurchase a Petstock Foundation product throughout September with a portion of the funds going towards the Big Hearts Project.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EVisit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/home-town-heroes\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Epetstock.com.au\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E for more information – 100% of funds raised goes to our purpose! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E* The Petstock Foundation will double the first $50,000 AUD in donations made between 16 September 2023 - 17 September 2023 or until the available pool of funds is exhausted.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EReferences\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[1]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.aicd.com.au\/content\/dam\/aicd\/pdf\/news-media\/research\/2023\/not-for-profit-study-2022-23-web.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENot-for-Profit Governance \u0026amp; Performance Study 2022-23\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[2], [3]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8701659\/#%3A~%3Atext%3DSome%20research%20has%20shown%20that%2Cof%20physical%20health%20%5B19%5D\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENational Library of Medicine, Evidence of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Neurological Diseases in Adults: A Systematic Review\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[4]\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/reports\/disability\/people-with-disability-in-australia\/contents\/people-with-disability\/activities-people-need-help-with\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESpecialised supports for people with disability - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[5]\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspectrum.org.au\/news\/autism-prevalence-rate-up-by-an-estimated-40-to-1-in-70-people-11-07-2018\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAutism Spectrum Australia: Autism prevalence rate up by an estimated 40% to 1 in 70 people\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Big Hearts Project \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe Petstock Foundation’s Big Hearts Project leads change for the pets and people that inspire us. We provide our customers with the opportunity to make a positive impact where it is needed by reminding them about opportunities to give and what we do as a Foundation. The 2023 campaign focuses on our work within the animal-assisted therapy area. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Petstock Foundation \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe 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 $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 20,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of all Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 29th August 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/6634581990925043120\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/donations-needed-to-support-animal.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6634581990925043120"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6634581990925043120"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/09\/donations-needed-to-support-animal.html","title":"Donations needed to support animal-assisted therapy this September"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhOPS2D9-S0h_ytAu-OLRYUJLUefaxDHarubqkHlftmTOhjdDOGeAScfC1DCzQS1KV25c0VjIlE34BzHZgKSnzYGq4qtdJB4-R1O5XgSwmBMi9XYisZKrkqXp0_SQP2EpV-AT5Xo-GauE_86EAhbtOFzsRA-UGpfk9UMERge_FLVcarfKlKG19gf4WE6iU\/s72-c\/Petstock_Foundation_Big_Hearts_Project_fundraiser_for_charities_Guide_Dogs_Australia.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-1518713725099673807"},"published":{"$t":"2023-05-26T13:54:00.010+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-05-26T14:19:30.858+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ANIMAL WELFARE"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"RESCUE"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Petstock's Home Town Heroes 2023 campaign starts soon!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhJrwtIJTG3rYEN05cd86BT5I3ZLsgH_v_-l6m6tC7cUjSGMtnrUauxoLtAnVOpbeG6LBcDpENoNSK5fgT3g2475jXSwEEI02pPFzyDZyJKvac-PloELG28HHS_FLJkXS0AjLKLkgeVShWsFkSNDChu3PXXyp-yrs6pIjRxf1nMzAcdpCGbfjA8q31K\/s1800\/Petstock_Foundation_Home_Town_Heroes_campaign_2023_Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Food_Bank.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1800\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhJrwtIJTG3rYEN05cd86BT5I3ZLsgH_v_-l6m6tC7cUjSGMtnrUauxoLtAnVOpbeG6LBcDpENoNSK5fgT3g2475jXSwEEI02pPFzyDZyJKvac-PloELG28HHS_FLJkXS0AjLKLkgeVShWsFkSNDChu3PXXyp-yrs6pIjRxf1nMzAcdpCGbfjA8q31K\/s16000\/Petstock_Foundation_Home_Town_Heroes_campaign_2023_Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Food_Bank.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EAnimal lovers urged to donate to people and pets in need this June \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWith continued rising interest rates, inflation and pressures associated with the increased cost of living, more and more Aussies are turning to charities for support across a range of services, putting added pressure on organisations already struggling to meet community demands. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThat’s why throughout June, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E will again be hosting its national \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E initiative which aims to raise awareness and financial support to assist over \u003Cb\u003E40 grassroots partner organisations\u003C\/b\u003E in helping their local communities Australia-wide. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, the charity arm of the Petstock Group, is working alongside many community charities with links back to our beloved pets. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EOperations Lead for the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, Sherralea Cassidy, says many not-for-profits are experiencing increases in the demand for their services across the board, yet there’s been a significant decrease in terms of financial donations and volunteer time to keep grassroots charities afloat in recent months. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“In speaking to charities across the country, we’re hearing donations are dwindling and smaller enterprises are at risk of becoming overburdened as people prioritise their spending, which in turn is impacting local communities reliant on ongoing financial support, volunteer programs and resourcing help,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EA study reporting on the not-for-profit sector [1] in Australia revealed the industry remains under considerable financial pressure. The report uncovered that profitability has continued to decline, with about\u003Cb\u003E 50 per cent of organisations making a loss or only breaking even\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E initiative aims to raise over $100,000 for its charity partners most in need, through a dedicated donation program with the help of animal lovers across the country who are able to spare some change. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“For this year’s \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E campaign and for the first time ever, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores across the country have been given the opportunity to individually select their very own local grassroots charity hero which often gets overlooked in place of larger state-based charities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThis means that more of the money raised will have an impact that can be seen and felt locally, which allows us to connect with our communities by directly helping the people and pets in need. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“In addition to \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s \u003Cb\u003Epledge of $50,000\u003C\/b\u003E, proceeds raised next month will financially benefit these community-driven organisations, enabling them to continue to focus on the very important on-the-ground work they do to provide the best outcomes and responses to their individual community needs,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhQ1Qvvw0ptxsWwh6FjvD8CmqSp04PljyYWxAYGPDFp7bnwi3gOrZKCYXzLoVOiA7gW1c2BvMad_HjAG9DO0-tx1NT3iIU-3896znAVJJjHeLaRoiWymXvuUhtQRboupY4wTzR5-62fQkY8qrWktJ5JFIBPZwPKhtkrWPyI4wYjIfTqF7shfTR0Qlbr\/s1761\/Petstock_Home_Town_Heroes_Campaign_2023_Pets_of_the_Homeless_man_kissing_his_Shih_Tzu.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1761\" data-original-width=\"1500\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhQ1Qvvw0ptxsWwh6FjvD8CmqSp04PljyYWxAYGPDFp7bnwi3gOrZKCYXzLoVOiA7gW1c2BvMad_HjAG9DO0-tx1NT3iIU-3896znAVJJjHeLaRoiWymXvuUhtQRboupY4wTzR5-62fQkY8qrWktJ5JFIBPZwPKhtkrWPyI4wYjIfTqF7shfTR0Qlbr\/w341-h400\/Petstock_Home_Town_Heroes_Campaign_2023_Pets_of_the_Homeless_man_kissing_his_Shih_Tzu.jpg\" width=\"341\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003ECredit: Pets of the Homeless\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003EWhile research from \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/mccrindle.com.au\/article\/charitable-giving-behaviour-in-australia\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EMccrindle\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E maintains charitable giving has traditionally remained strong in Australia compared to other countries, their most recent data suggests nearly one in five Australians do not give at all. And it is with no surprise industry experts are predicting a rise in these figures in the short-term as economic hardships and challenges continue in 2023. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“In these challenging times, donations to grassroots charities are more important than ever. Every act of kindness makes a significant difference to the wonderful work they do by providing financial assistance to continue running their specialised services - such as educational programs, safe shelter, companion animal management care, food, product, veterinary care and other community support. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Whether you choose to purchase a helping heart or kindly donate a gold coin at the counter - every little bit counts in helping our partner charities empower a better future for people and pets most in need in their local communities,” says Sherralea. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe Petstock Foundation\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E’s \u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #444444;\"\u003EHome Town Heroes\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E initiative will be supporting charities nationally, including the following key partners:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/peggyspromise.com.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPeggy’s Promise (NSW)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjiybkt6CpR23KBXjYPPRDxRh1KYhQw1hsIIEBkvB9dY_OCu4f5MmGnhcSZxgmf4wxv6UMguDTL3cTyasS3uO_BClVeyggweVX3XTi5S6lbMbUMUa7534zn2cmCkSJluIkkE270F0xH7xCauc3SHGK9S0aX3sQuctN_RrLbZRMIthicrsuM3j9WrNaM\/s1800\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pop-Up_Petstock_VET_older_woman_hugging_Irish_Wolfhound.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1800\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjiybkt6CpR23KBXjYPPRDxRh1KYhQw1hsIIEBkvB9dY_OCu4f5MmGnhcSZxgmf4wxv6UMguDTL3cTyasS3uO_BClVeyggweVX3XTi5S6lbMbUMUa7534zn2cmCkSJluIkkE270F0xH7xCauc3SHGK9S0aX3sQuctN_RrLbZRMIthicrsuM3j9WrNaM\/w266-h400\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pop-Up_Petstock_VET_older_woman_hugging_Irish_Wolfhound.jpg\" width=\"266\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003EPetstock VET pop-up for \u003Cbr \/\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpups.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESmart Pups Assistance Dogs (QLD)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/youthupfront.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EYouth up Front (NSW)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/safepetssafefamilies.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families (SA)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/sydneydogsandcatshome.org\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESydney Dogs \u0026amp; Cats Home (NSW)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.perthrescueangels.org\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPerth Rescue Angels (WA)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/petsofthehomeless.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPets of The Homeless (VIC)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.horsepower.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHorsePower (WA)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfoundation.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EK.I.D.S. Foundation (VIC)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.whiskerwoodssanctuary.com\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EWhisker Woods Sanctuary (ACT)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rdatas.org.au\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ERiding for the Disabled (TAS)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/asafeplaceformeowinc\/\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EA Safe Place for Meow (NT)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat donations will go towards \u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;100% of funds raised by the \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPetstock Foundation\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E and animal lovers through \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPetstock\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E stores nationwide in June will be donated to Home Town Heroes charity partners to enable them to create a better future for pets and people. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: \u0026quot;times new roman\u0026quot;; font-size: large;\"\u003E✔️\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;Grassroots fundraising programs like the Home Town Heroes initiative allow organisations more independence, creativity and the ability to effectively deliver greater services within the communities they represent. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow you can help:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Throughout June, by \u003Cb\u003Erounding up purchases\u003C\/b\u003E, or by \u003Cb\u003Ebuying a helping heart\u003C\/b\u003E for $2, $4, or $6 at Petstock stores nationwide or by donating \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/petspiration-foundation\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Eonline\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EIn an effort to exceed The Home Town Heroes fundraising goal, \u003Cb\u003Edonations made \u003C\/b\u003Eduring the\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E Power Weekend (June 10 \u0026amp; 11)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cb\u003Ewill be tripled\u003C\/b\u003E by the Petstock Foundation to bolster donations*.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EVisit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petstock.com.au\/pages\/home-town-heroes\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Epetstock.com.au\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E for more information – every bit makes a difference! \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E* The Petstock Foundation will triple the first $25,000 AUD in donations made until the target of $75,000 is achieved. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E[1] The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Not-for-Profit Governance \u0026amp; Performance Study 2022-23, view full report\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.aicd.com.au\/content\/dam\/aicd\/pdf\/news-media\/research\/2023\/not-for-profit-study-2022-23-web.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EHERE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout Home Town Heroes \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Petstock Foundation’s Home Town Heroes initiative empowers grassroots charity partners to create a better future for people and pets. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Petstock Foundation aims to strengthen the bond between people and pets, through fundraising, support and advocacy for partner organisations and their own on the ground work in local communities across Australia and New Zealand. Petstock stores across the country have the opportunity to work with their local charity group to help build strong and flexible partnerships as well as to raise funds through Petstock stores.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Petstock Foundation \u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and people, empowering a better future for both. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 20,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of all Petstock Group brands, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire us. 100% of funds raised go towards the Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMEDIA RELEASE, 26th May 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/1518713725099673807\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/petstocks-home-town-heroes-2023.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1518713725099673807"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/1518713725099673807"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/petstocks-home-town-heroes-2023.html","title":"Petstock's Home Town Heroes 2023 campaign starts soon!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhJrwtIJTG3rYEN05cd86BT5I3ZLsgH_v_-l6m6tC7cUjSGMtnrUauxoLtAnVOpbeG6LBcDpENoNSK5fgT3g2475jXSwEEI02pPFzyDZyJKvac-PloELG28HHS_FLJkXS0AjLKLkgeVShWsFkSNDChu3PXXyp-yrs6pIjRxf1nMzAcdpCGbfjA8q31K\/s72-c\/Petstock_Foundation_Home_Town_Heroes_campaign_2023_Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Food_Bank.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-3200304934316893141"},"published":{"$t":"2023-05-17T14:44:00.002+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-05-17T16:16:14.769+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Safe Pets Safe Families calls for new volunteers!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; font-family: georgia; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjKcco62Tj0hGtWIQueP1zaW5ChpaSC_1FvJ2l0LOW9xFBUz20PentMaN_xo5njYPTdX83LfY5bFHdawSNvtjvv0F0QTthM-XJnJ0-S6kW92IIa2g3m40gYoghq00IrU2zN3OrZPF6CMLrPVYzOpwiLs4XpX2psibFS-Rl_Lx2hzs0_yctEMY_YXxhh\/s1470\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Founder_Jennifer_Howard_and_team_working_on_Pet_Food_Bank_services.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"980\" data-original-width=\"1470\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjKcco62Tj0hGtWIQueP1zaW5ChpaSC_1FvJ2l0LOW9xFBUz20PentMaN_xo5njYPTdX83LfY5bFHdawSNvtjvv0F0QTthM-XJnJ0-S6kW92IIa2g3m40gYoghq00IrU2zN3OrZPF6CMLrPVYzOpwiLs4XpX2psibFS-Rl_Lx2hzs0_yctEMY_YXxhh\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Founder_Jennifer_Howard_and_team_working_on_Pet_Food_Bank_services.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESadly, across Australia, most shelters do not accept pets but charities like \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E are on a mission to change this and help keep people and their pets together.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is a \u003Cb\u003E100% volunteer run organisation and registered charity\u003C\/b\u003E which provides care, support and education to people and pets in crisis, reducing the incidents of abuse, neglect, surrender and euthanasia in companion animals.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDuring this \u003Cb\u003ENational Volunteer Week 2023\u003C\/b\u003E, we spoke to Founder \u003Cb\u003EJennifer Howard\u003C\/b\u003E about how far the organisation has come over the past 10 years and her plans for the future.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat spurred you to create Safe Pets Safe Families and what services do you provide?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“I personally experienced Domestic Violence and had to flee to safety with my children, without the option to take my much loved dogs.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E” explains Jennifer.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;I never saw our dogs again, they were surrendered to the pound and likely euthanised.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EThis absolutely broke my heart and still haunts me to this day.\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #353738; letter-spacing: 0.068px;\"\u003EThe service started 10 years ago when I visited a women’s shelter and asked how I could help.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EI didn't want anyone else experiencing what I did, so I created \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, a foster program to help people experiencing family and domestic violence keep their pets.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMoKQdiIw1BJWC7St_xwZY5SpXynbmue0obuYghwY3dIhybY3dh8o2C6zdFjVVcNeTnuzY2Y0STKOmcOAp3ZOrNvpDGN033Sd1XWXw2dmmIUhRFOXeyydjt1RnVX2qZeFWp_GIOMeoOZpoYHyP4j4F4cQk1tSZh-sSF33avrm6o-GfoKfGRYqWtZFs\/s1439\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_help_keep_people_and_their_pets_together.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"720\" data-original-width=\"1439\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMoKQdiIw1BJWC7St_xwZY5SpXynbmue0obuYghwY3dIhybY3dh8o2C6zdFjVVcNeTnuzY2Y0STKOmcOAp3ZOrNvpDGN033Sd1XWXw2dmmIUhRFOXeyydjt1RnVX2qZeFWp_GIOMeoOZpoYHyP4j4F4cQk1tSZh-sSF33avrm6o-GfoKfGRYqWtZFs\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_help_keep_people_and_their_pets_together.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ECurrently, in Australia, there is a service gap so the main purpose of \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E is to deliver programs and services that\u003Cb\u003E support and assist people in Domestic Violence situations\u003C\/b\u003E to be able to leave safely with their children and pets so they can all be reunited when they are back on their feet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EOur services are also available to people who are already homeless, suddenly become homeless or are experiencing health or financial crisis. The \u003Cb\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/b\u003E program provides \u003Cb\u003Eemergency retrieval of animals \u003C\/b\u003Eand a \u003Cb\u003Efoster care service for up to 12 weeks\u003C\/b\u003E for the pets of people leaving Domestic Violence situations. This service is also available to people experiencing sudden homelessness, health or financial crisis.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe have a team of Volunteers who transport the animals to and from foster care and a team of Foster Carers who look after the animals in their home as part of their family. When clients are back on their feet and have suitable accommodation, we are able to reunite them with their pets.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESince 2016, we have had almost 2,000 pets come through our foster care program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESafe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;is also working toward raising awareness and educating the community about the link between animal abuse and human violence. By working with the community and other organisations we can work towards stopping violence towards people and animals in our communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EThousands of studies support the link between animal abuse and human abuse.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E76% percent of animal abusers also abuse a family member.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EResearch showed one-fifth of women significantly delayed leaving a violent relationship due to concern for the welfare of their animal. During this time of crisis, the connections women feel with their animals can become stronger.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECan you tell us a bit more about your Paws \u0026amp; Pals program?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjNaLMoRAReYE1F-Z-H3hHZspGZ9o-8XgPgJxCR5z93NGbVNqOjlkev_64291O5_V1uzI4HAzK1wZEBAZpXFoT7mqcqhq_Z6dPFy8jIadOVMnQSQHv2-7VDYI3NtS-8JZdSMpktjimR2lz2b5fBfLProk1q0Ar3BSFg1Hu8r3e_nda_PUYFMnl97mQn\/s2048\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_outreach_program_supports_the_homeless_and_their_pets.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjNaLMoRAReYE1F-Z-H3hHZspGZ9o-8XgPgJxCR5z93NGbVNqOjlkev_64291O5_V1uzI4HAzK1wZEBAZpXFoT7mqcqhq_Z6dPFy8jIadOVMnQSQHv2-7VDYI3NtS-8JZdSMpktjimR2lz2b5fBfLProk1q0Ar3BSFg1Hu8r3e_nda_PUYFMnl97mQn\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_outreach_program_supports_the_homeless_and_their_pets.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E“\u003Cb\u003EPaws \u0026amp; Pals\u003C\/b\u003E is a program providing pop-up vet clinics, crisis programs, a pet food bank and outreach support services for people and their pets.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003ECompanion animals are very important to people experiencing homelessness. Research has shown that \u003Cb\u003Epets reduce depression\u003C\/b\u003E and they would be less likely to commit suicide, less likely to commit a crime and less likely to take drugs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EAnd we all know that our pets give unconditional love, warmth and no judgement as well as encourage us to be more social.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjJBia2j-6RUtgf_hrKNoPlPYisIMDyKZgpLaHCK5NZXdQjrBNZ_KP2oWurmPkIl4PwCnHPziEJxVqYRjDJLNsPPQ0U0J9Q2snkOLAsywwedeTxqtMzYPKq9oCV5Tb_5SHwJvLSbITR1jfz5NZq2cm9M3KNH5iaJ4HhzrIUK3p1WcQoyO4kTS2x99di\/s1800\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_Program_offers_free_pop-up_vet_clinics.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1800\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjJBia2j-6RUtgf_hrKNoPlPYisIMDyKZgpLaHCK5NZXdQjrBNZ_KP2oWurmPkIl4PwCnHPziEJxVqYRjDJLNsPPQ0U0J9Q2snkOLAsywwedeTxqtMzYPKq9oCV5Tb_5SHwJvLSbITR1jfz5NZq2cm9M3KNH5iaJ4HhzrIUK3p1WcQoyO4kTS2x99di\/w266-h400\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_Program_offers_free_pop-up_vet_clinics.jpg\" width=\"266\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EWe see \u003Cb\u003EPaws \u0026amp; Pals\u003C\/b\u003E as a bit of a gateway service to people experiencing homelessness.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe found that people experiencing homelessness with pets had some barriers to accessing support from organisations. We have been very successful in getting these pets into foster care so the people can access support and shelter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003ESince December 2016, around 800 pets have been seen by our volunteer vets and vet nurses through the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPaws \u0026amp; Pals\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;free pop-up vet clinics for people experiencing homelessness.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe only started collecting data in 2020 for our vet community fund and have provided almost 2,400 vet appointments since then.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhgUWfK6re9p1LWFUbLhJq4rdx3-_rEmhY_FmlBI5ZdaKaAMm4ZumSR3voazlqJ145kR9fyfB2eH-8Oc50qONKbYCHq4aygRQ0FF8ADKaBfcYxWU1QLZU71HCRqDqm3JrDlnZM8HRgGBxLQfV-KMvjVlOV3IUQLD0Tj_J4K9ugBU8TSpeN7UKR6IxFC\/s1850\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pet_Food_Bank_Jennifer_Howard_and_volunteer.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"925\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhgUWfK6re9p1LWFUbLhJq4rdx3-_rEmhY_FmlBI5ZdaKaAMm4ZumSR3voazlqJ145kR9fyfB2eH-8Oc50qONKbYCHq4aygRQ0FF8ADKaBfcYxWU1QLZU71HCRqDqm3JrDlnZM8HRgGBxLQfV-KMvjVlOV3IUQLD0Tj_J4K9ugBU8TSpeN7UKR6IxFC\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pet_Food_Bank_Jennifer_Howard_and_volunteer.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESince 2016 we have delivered approximately 350,000 meals through our Pet Food Bank. \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/04\/616000-donated-to-charities-to-support.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EThanks to a donation from\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/04\/616000-donated-to-charities-to-support.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EThe Petspiration Foundation\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(formerly \u003Ci\u003EPETstock Assist\u003C\/i\u003E) we were able to purchase a delivery van and\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Erecently expanded our Pet Food Bank service into the Riverland.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjI4GDD3eLHZc2oeihyqbaKNlZZZ7Rls5FiLtvBR0KAYGsZRVx_2N25TV03lloOUfPTiF05oAWNo3CvkIYH-8eqSpDY0Gxm8MJu2XqPOF48RRUOhgqxGAGunhQy3zKExWGBGbijBbLbzJtMvawgmWtFtGjgEMT_dH-KNu1kjQ7JcEdLS0qWDtwNL2zZ\/s2048\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pet_Food_Bank_delivery_service_expands_to_Riverina.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1536\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjI4GDD3eLHZc2oeihyqbaKNlZZZ7Rls5FiLtvBR0KAYGsZRVx_2N25TV03lloOUfPTiF05oAWNo3CvkIYH-8eqSpDY0Gxm8MJu2XqPOF48RRUOhgqxGAGunhQy3zKExWGBGbijBbLbzJtMvawgmWtFtGjgEMT_dH-KNu1kjQ7JcEdLS0qWDtwNL2zZ\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Pet_Food_Bank_delivery_service_expands_to_Riverina.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003EWith a worsening housing crisis and the financial pressures many Aussies are under, are you seeing a larger need for your services?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe have registered a \u003Cb\u003E300% increase in the demand for our services over the past two years\u003C\/b\u003E and it has been hard to keep up and recruit volunteers.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E” shares Jennifer.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Our whole community has been struggling; this year, 48% of our clients needing foster support also needed support due to a mental health crisis.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEglcF2Bw8Qv-h5AbyR7DvYmfF5-kVE93ppd-0lZtXb7Y94R3BObN8lp9RjQVxU9RgqFPOufE2GqxA33RRXbM0T_pjB13qrhTWJEvbrOWyDv4NBQyxXbYh3CXErUHpJ1kxncnpldSrfXrAeqvTcb10WlNgYfA9vFikVJu0tqYrAmAG3ctbb0Dp389Ml5\/s1417\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Volunteer_Roles_Foster_Carers.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"876\" data-original-width=\"1417\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEglcF2Bw8Qv-h5AbyR7DvYmfF5-kVE93ppd-0lZtXb7Y94R3BObN8lp9RjQVxU9RgqFPOufE2GqxA33RRXbM0T_pjB13qrhTWJEvbrOWyDv4NBQyxXbYh3CXErUHpJ1kxncnpldSrfXrAeqvTcb10WlNgYfA9vFikVJu0tqYrAmAG3ctbb0Dp389Ml5\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Volunteer_Roles_Foster_Carers.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe have a\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003Ehuge need for Volunteers that are available during the day\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;to transport pets to and from vets as well as to and from foster care.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ESome other immediate volunteering roles include food packers, marketing, IT support, finance, administration and casework across a few of our programs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe always need more dog groomers, vets and vet nurses and foster carers so please don't hesitate to reach out if you're able to assist.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you’re interested in joining their team of passionate volunteers, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/safepetssafefamilies.org.au\/contact\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eclick here\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIf you’re interested in joining their network of valuable foster carers, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/safepetssafefamilies.org.au\/contact\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eclick here\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCj4h3aZxdAALzBluh3sI7EPYU9j-w7DrECgHxDWiNIKgHJO21rKCan5Pbs4w-7ckHIAvvM6XRkapzYuT66pm_MjCFMPRXtrdxiU6nGjQJ2dIOorR51Mxm5WUfTDnM461nRTKjC3eciPKTD5zwSJRg0RF4-jfNS08YnwZ4W5XBFl1XulOIhVPEtnQ2\/s1850\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_needs_more_foster_carers_volunteers.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1233\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCj4h3aZxdAALzBluh3sI7EPYU9j-w7DrECgHxDWiNIKgHJO21rKCan5Pbs4w-7ckHIAvvM6XRkapzYuT66pm_MjCFMPRXtrdxiU6nGjQJ2dIOorR51Mxm5WUfTDnM461nRTKjC3eciPKTD5zwSJRg0RF4-jfNS08YnwZ4W5XBFl1XulOIhVPEtnQ2\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_needs_more_foster_carers_volunteers.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\"Ziggy and Lilly welcome every pet into our home with open paws.\" says Foster Carer Rhelma\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #050505; text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EFor readers who are not in a position to volunteer, how can they help?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWhen you donate $25 to our \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/safepetssafefamilies.org.au\/dogs-against-dv\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EDogs Against Domestic Violence campaign\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, you will help pave the way for us to build a national response to help victims of domestic violence across Australia escape and keep their pets safe.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNYx9His096CLqUXcyYGjphb44BnasU2OUtgq2FABuL__txAm06tGT3wviyhZ97uKD8T_ySQoohd6LM_B4OaEpZeti-LiNRpHMCQkarsxCvg-2wBNrrKVFQqY3ZSnNZcUA_Z_Cb9_I0JiYXPZz68KC7hLkfWjtFMx0nfvrU99x7oh9RzBsxP8OJqZN\/s1417\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Dogs_Against_Domestic_Violence_Staffy_wearing_the_dog_bandana.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1084\" data-original-width=\"1417\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiNYx9His096CLqUXcyYGjphb44BnasU2OUtgq2FABuL__txAm06tGT3wviyhZ97uKD8T_ySQoohd6LM_B4OaEpZeti-LiNRpHMCQkarsxCvg-2wBNrrKVFQqY3ZSnNZcUA_Z_Cb9_I0JiYXPZz68KC7hLkfWjtFMx0nfvrU99x7oh9RzBsxP8OJqZN\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Dogs_Against_Domestic_Violence_Staffy_wearing_the_dog_bandana.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003EBecause, when a pet can escape abuse, so can the family.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EFor Adelaide residents, don't miss our \u003Cb\u003E3rd annual Quiz Night for Safe Pets Safe Families\u003C\/b\u003E brought to you by our fun and outgoing bunch of volunteers. It will be held on \u003Cb\u003ESaturday 5th August 2023\u003C\/b\u003E at the Denison Centre in Mawson Lakes.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can enjoy fun, silly and interactive games during the night, not to mention a round of Bingo!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: xx-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com.au\/e\/safe-pets-safe-families-3rd-annual-quiz-night-tickets-627051226097\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Eget your tickets here\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003ESo what is next on the horizon for Safe Pets Safe Families?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E“Currently, we primarily work in SA but have also supported cases interstate - we get many calls for interstate support.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EWe have achieved so much in South Australia and we would love to take our vital service to the rest of the country.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe have a \u003Cb\u003Enew program starting in June aimed at helping older people and their pets\u003C\/b\u003E, supporting people through life transitions and beyond. I can't reveal any more details at this point but please stay tuned for a future announcement.”\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat have you found personally has been the most rewarding part of running this charity?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“The most rewarding part of volunteering for me is knowing we are making a difference, changing and saving lives and restoring hope in people that had no hope.”\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EFor more information, please head to the website:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/safepetssafefamilies.org.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Esafepetssafefamilies.org.au\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EYou can follow \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/safepetssafefamilies\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E@safepetssafefamilies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E on Instagram and on Facebook at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/safepetssafefamilies\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Ewww.facebook.com\/safepetssafefamilies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiI3AULHBCd-aYvJQnccEoko1dbAkwoRgojtgYi2lZ6hy4L3cZNKUf0AgU6Ae3mc71Xg3vYudLMPo3Q7TcXw8NILcq_GP6Mxsb3Fl_mmCOkuamfFWc_gY_96fUsfAZ9pcnIqxD1cB2NUgreEebBP7c5fBBbKvdsAX5EoEd5Accm3SfT9diI1xqB1u-t\/s960\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_Volunteers_at_the_Precinct_Cafe.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"480\" data-original-width=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiI3AULHBCd-aYvJQnccEoko1dbAkwoRgojtgYi2lZ6hy4L3cZNKUf0AgU6Ae3mc71Xg3vYudLMPo3Q7TcXw8NILcq_GP6Mxsb3Fl_mmCOkuamfFWc_gY_96fUsfAZ9pcnIqxD1cB2NUgreEebBP7c5fBBbKvdsAX5EoEd5Accm3SfT9diI1xqB1u-t\/s16000\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Paws_and_Pals_Volunteers_at_the_Precinct_Cafe.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003ERelated Stories:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2022\/08\/paws-pals-supports-pets-and-families.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPaws \u0026amp; Pals supports pets and families fleeing domestic violence\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/pets-in-park-volunteers-help-homeless.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPets in the Park Volunteers help the homeless care for their pets\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/national-volunteer-week-2023-15-21-may.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENational Volunteer Week 2023 (15-21 May): Saying Thank You!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/3200304934316893141\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/safe-pets-safe-families-calls-for-new.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/3200304934316893141"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/3200304934316893141"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/safe-pets-safe-families-calls-for-new.html","title":"Safe Pets Safe Families calls for new volunteers!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjKcco62Tj0hGtWIQueP1zaW5ChpaSC_1FvJ2l0LOW9xFBUz20PentMaN_xo5njYPTdX83LfY5bFHdawSNvtjvv0F0QTthM-XJnJ0-S6kW92IIa2g3m40gYoghq00IrU2zN3OrZPF6CMLrPVYzOpwiLs4XpX2psibFS-Rl_Lx2hzs0_yctEMY_YXxhh\/s72-c\/Safe_Pets_Safe_Families_Founder_Jennifer_Howard_and_team_working_on_Pet_Food_Bank_services.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-7016253484218930714"},"published":{"$t":"2023-05-15T16:40:00.003+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-05-16T16:33:16.616+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"VETERINARY"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Pets in the Park Volunteers help the homeless care for their pets"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhtHtIGEchngzb2DsKlFtHc5UizBnhkieRBY6oXsk7-Dsf3Y9J4P0zCm_xhxwaGUhANJl2iUYNDb8e724VUNfI_96RZHBKnK9diKAqtiwNtEE9zxSC8GiuGoYQ0nY5bOGYl8aHRsbNqbzflt8sZNHDaAu9wkt9YYTFT24C9ijBzzkgfaI6B12DEYUtN\/s1850\/Pets_in_the_Park_Dr_Mark_Westman_doing_a_wellness_check_for_an_elderly_owner.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1388\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhtHtIGEchngzb2DsKlFtHc5UizBnhkieRBY6oXsk7-Dsf3Y9J4P0zCm_xhxwaGUhANJl2iUYNDb8e724VUNfI_96RZHBKnK9diKAqtiwNtEE9zxSC8GiuGoYQ0nY5bOGYl8aHRsbNqbzflt8sZNHDaAu9wkt9YYTFT24C9ijBzzkgfaI6B12DEYUtN\/s16000\/Pets_in_the_Park_Dr_Mark_Westman_doing_a_wellness_check_for_an_elderly_owner.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ENational Volunteer Week 2023\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, we spoke to \u003Cb\u003EDr Mark Westman\u003C\/b\u003E, \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003Eco-founder\u0026nbsp;of \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petsinthepark.org.au\/home\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPets in the Park\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E about how\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003EPITP volunteers support, build relationships with, and improve the wellbeing of homeless people in society living with companion animals.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat drove you to create Pets in the Park and how has the organisation evolved over time?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“The idea for \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPets in the Park\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E started in 2009”,\u0026nbsp;says Westman. “A close friend of mine from high school, who was involved running a local soup kitchen in Parramatta (approximately 25km west of the Sydney CBD), asked what he could do to help clients that turned up with dogs.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI offered to start coming down once a month to the soup kitchen with an esky, some vaccines and flea treatment, and perform free medical checks. Three years later, I joined forces with some friends of mine (Leah Skelsey, Vicki Cawsey and Linda Warlond) and \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPets in the Park\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E was officially launched in 2012 and\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eregistered as a charity.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EWe now have around \u003Cb\u003E15 clinics running in most states of Australia\u003C\/b\u003E (NSW, Vic, WA, Qld, Tas and ACT), and have helped thousands of dogs and cats since 2012.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhdiVirYh1WgLvUlGO_GvYl7ysZtlk9BYAbNjxDhw_ihWJzAotkqYJ6ClhQKeb9KgmO4hehMh9DkdxS2tOr_IkwGmuxl_SHV9f38hsf6RczxNtqmd6NJ10sOJHwldR_P4DbGbG4_qtZ1O2Cdvm9rfuAHoIgtnn68Bz707It4XEbHYaKd5dbPsRNel0b\/s1440\/Pets_in_the_Park_Dr_Mark_Westman_giving_vaccination_shot_to_a_senior_dog_lying_on_the_grass.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhdiVirYh1WgLvUlGO_GvYl7ysZtlk9BYAbNjxDhw_ihWJzAotkqYJ6ClhQKeb9KgmO4hehMh9DkdxS2tOr_IkwGmuxl_SHV9f38hsf6RczxNtqmd6NJ10sOJHwldR_P4DbGbG4_qtZ1O2Cdvm9rfuAHoIgtnn68Bz707It4XEbHYaKd5dbPsRNel0b\/s16000\/Pets_in_the_Park_Dr_Mark_Westman_giving_vaccination_shot_to_a_senior_dog_lying_on_the_grass.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOur network has grown exponentially and PITP can now \u003Cb\u003Erely on hundreds of volunteers nationally\u003C\/b\u003E. At the clinic I help run in Parramatta, we typically have between 10-15 volunteers helping run any one clinic.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EThese volunteers are often \u003Cb\u003Eveterinarians and veterinary nurses\u003C\/b\u003E who work Monday to Friday in the industry and have enough goodwill and energy to donate their time on a Sunday, but we also have many of other \u003Cb\u003Eenthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life\u003C\/b\u003E who learn the ropes quickly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EAll you need to be a PITP volunteer is a non-judgmental attitude, a care for the disadvantaged and less fortunate in our society, and a heart for service.  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgqn6KheMpzCG2llKhyHBcgImz1pFN-IL_MxntlWcVXpE82oLTRAi487dHS3YwkBtvoXXqitALxu3t7s8nf24F1BmdVpHLarO-YBi-iqYbDw0D11-kmOdiV-qgjAMgmJiD0F5c0WnhKQAsJ6NINsy2XQu-1qR_Ixt8epCZpJPAkY3lSgrp4iN-1cRJh\/s1440\/Pets_in_the_Park_Sydney_Dr_Mark_Westman_with_Jack_Russell_Terrier_on_the_examination_table.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgqn6KheMpzCG2llKhyHBcgImz1pFN-IL_MxntlWcVXpE82oLTRAi487dHS3YwkBtvoXXqitALxu3t7s8nf24F1BmdVpHLarO-YBi-iqYbDw0D11-kmOdiV-qgjAMgmJiD0F5c0WnhKQAsJ6NINsy2XQu-1qR_Ixt8epCZpJPAkY3lSgrp4iN-1cRJh\/w300-h400\/Pets_in_the_Park_Sydney_Dr_Mark_Westman_with_Jack_Russell_Terrier_on_the_examination_table.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003EOur ‘pop up’ clinics run for approximately 2 hours and provide free prophylactic health care (\u003Cb\u003Evaccination, flea and worm treatment, microchipping\u003C\/b\u003E) and \u003Cb\u003Ebasic medical checks\u003C\/b\u003E for non-emergency conditions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003EThey are done out in the open where possible, in conjunction with human health services such as soup kitchens.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe intention behind this is a \u003Cb\u003EOne Health approach\u003C\/b\u003E to ensure both two-legged and four-legged members of our society are getting the love and assistance they need.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EFor many people who experience homelessness, owning a pet plays a significant role in their lives.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EThese much-loved animals offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support, security, and a sense of purpose: basic human needs that are often not met elsewhere.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E“Our clinics are conducted monthly in order to see our clients regularly and build strong relationships with our volunteers.”\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;explains Westman.\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“We sometimes are also able to offer \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eassistance with surgeries and procedures\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E (e.g. dentals) in between clinics, although this service is completely reliant on assistance from our partner clinics. We have some amazing colleagues who have been so kind and generous to Parramatta PITP, in particular \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/greatwesternanimalhospital.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EGreat Western Animal Hospital\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E and \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.acaciagardensvet.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EAcacia Gardens Veterinary Hospital\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EBeyond qualified vets and vet nurses, does PITP need other types of volunteers and how can they apply?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Any skills that can help a charity operate more efficiently, grow and be able to help more people and their pets is welcome! This could be anything – event organising, marketing, financial skills, grant writing, journalists, committee members, Board members, etc.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EWe have a wonderful team of volunteers and we are always looking for more wonderful people to join our PITP family.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EIf you're interested in becoming a volunteer with \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EPets in the Park\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, simply register your interest (selecting your State) here: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petsinthepark.org.au\/how-to-help-us\/volunteering\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Ewww.petsinthepark.org.au\/how-to-help-us\/volunteering\/\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Roboto Condensed, Arial, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWith our ongoing housing crisis and the financial pressures so many people are finding themselves under, are you seeing a larger demand for your services?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilvroR3dvTaNJmLaUEmrjgD55exMt-gWhFHg2X8xZN42oIYPL30T5V40vnFiSs9KgCsmZnSTmgjrdTfWiJlzlcX77qDUeHkvJ6T4MuLBsgl8i6b8Qt2AayX4kUNMq5J5bLJNFU-e0ACz35oEta6JUkL1hZREYnHWqb6XWDPRBcRtu1GEjLSx_VD4Jy\/s4032\/Pets_in_the_Park_van_and_veterinarian_listening_to_homeless_man_sitting_down_with_his_dog.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"3024\" data-original-width=\"4032\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEilvroR3dvTaNJmLaUEmrjgD55exMt-gWhFHg2X8xZN42oIYPL30T5V40vnFiSs9KgCsmZnSTmgjrdTfWiJlzlcX77qDUeHkvJ6T4MuLBsgl8i6b8Qt2AayX4kUNMq5J5bLJNFU-e0ACz35oEta6JUkL1hZREYnHWqb6XWDPRBcRtu1GEjLSx_VD4Jy\/s16000\/Pets_in_the_Park_van_and_veterinarian_listening_to_homeless_man_sitting_down_with_his_dog.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Yes. And sadly the future is looking bleak for any kind of relief from these pressures. We (PITP) of course would prefer for our services not to be needed, and to be reducing in size as time goes on, not the other way around. But wherever there is homelessness and pet ownership, we will do our best to make a positive contribution to our local communities.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EAre you finding it it easier or harder to retain or recruit new volunteers vs when you first started? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Harder. The veterinary profession is in a perilous position with difficulties retaining veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Many staff are understandably tired and burnt out performing their full-time jobs; to rely on them to give even more of themselves on the weekends is a big ask.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003ECan you share with us any new projects or initiatives you're currently working on?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjs2l18eVwFxoZRn_9wzKYsRiClmrjKImw2N_nGcdUE2CQ_HYuGyuSEYbQ52K8nbmw57wWkzoCy8wzzveNNAI1kn5t9XD_lMjttEeghm676QaRibk2gSwuoc6zEkL_1FwNOae-HOKg4wnYso4qUw3YxtIA3MFYvwiOQroLVGUY2stNRurhoSA7K4tEC\/s1440\/Pets_in_the_Park_Vet_Dr_Mark_Westman_providing_preventative_health_care_to_small_dog_during_free_clinic.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1440\" data-original-width=\"1080\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjs2l18eVwFxoZRn_9wzKYsRiClmrjKImw2N_nGcdUE2CQ_HYuGyuSEYbQ52K8nbmw57wWkzoCy8wzzveNNAI1kn5t9XD_lMjttEeghm676QaRibk2gSwuoc6zEkL_1FwNOae-HOKg4wnYso4qUw3YxtIA3MFYvwiOQroLVGUY2stNRurhoSA7K4tEC\/w300-h400\/Pets_in_the_Park_Vet_Dr_Mark_Westman_providing_preventative_health_care_to_small_dog_during_free_clinic.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E“Yes. My next project is to establish the \u003Cb\u003Efirst student-led community clinic in Australia\u003C\/b\u003E, run by final year veterinary students. Similar programs are successfully running overseas, and it is just a matter of time before something similar is established in Australia.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThese clinics help \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eaddress the welfare issues associated with people unable to afford veterinary care\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E, as well as promote education and learning opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary nurses.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI would love to be part of the group that establishes the first of its kind in Australia.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat have you found has been personally the most rewarding part of running Pets in the Park? \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhPMOb_8lUUzjcXMk-5m8vFQ7gupzpJSl2O3vTzE2STXOWum7oTTqILMWKWmcwbGWqFgBElF2imNzhSvG_rkn3eP8fcrnOvGDfUo1p-EhXGNZOe4JFNiuX5H0p0xbc-RSlbikTaiVS5V6Bp077slEGZVhumvfY72VOU4dAZmyg6DR-tz4XzCaMuV1hh\/s1390\/Pets_in_the_Park_Vet_Dr_Mark_Westman_with_client_bring_his_two_dogs_for_a_consultation.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1080\" data-original-width=\"1390\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhPMOb_8lUUzjcXMk-5m8vFQ7gupzpJSl2O3vTzE2STXOWum7oTTqILMWKWmcwbGWqFgBElF2imNzhSvG_rkn3eP8fcrnOvGDfUo1p-EhXGNZOe4JFNiuX5H0p0xbc-RSlbikTaiVS5V6Bp077slEGZVhumvfY72VOU4dAZmyg6DR-tz4XzCaMuV1hh\/s16000\/Pets_in_the_Park_Vet_Dr_Mark_Westman_with_client_bring_his_two_dogs_for_a_consultation.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Our clients become more than that; they become friends who we enjoy seeing every month. I love seeing them get back on their feet and finding their way in life.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIt’s a privilege and joy to hopefully contribute something positive to their life journey, at a time when they most need love and support,\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Econcludes Westman.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003ETo learn how you can assist \u003Cb style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003EPets in the Park \u003C\/b\u003Ethrough volunteering or by making a donation, visit\u0026nbsp;their website at\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petsinthepark.org.au\/home\/\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003Ewww.petsinthepark.org.au\/home\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003EYou can follow them on Facebook at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PetsInTheParkAU\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Ewww.facebook.com\/PetsInTheParkAU\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;or \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/petsintheparkau\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E@petsintheparkau\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E on Instagram.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERelated Stories:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/national-volunteer-week-2023-15-21-may.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ENational Volunteer Week 2023 (15-21 May) - Saying Thank You!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2018\/07\/youth-supporting-homeless-and-their-pets.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EYouth supporting the homeless and their pets\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/7016253484218930714\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/pets-in-park-volunteers-help-homeless.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/7016253484218930714"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/7016253484218930714"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/pets-in-park-volunteers-help-homeless.html","title":"Pets in the Park Volunteers help the homeless care for their pets"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhtHtIGEchngzb2DsKlFtHc5UizBnhkieRBY6oXsk7-Dsf3Y9J4P0zCm_xhxwaGUhANJl2iUYNDb8e724VUNfI_96RZHBKnK9diKAqtiwNtEE9zxSC8GiuGoYQ0nY5bOGYl8aHRsbNqbzflt8sZNHDaAu9wkt9YYTFT24C9ijBzzkgfaI6B12DEYUtN\/s72-c\/Pets_in_the_Park_Dr_Mark_Westman_doing_a_wellness_check_for_an_elderly_owner.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2020204049726645298.post-6112618791615251572"},"published":{"$t":"2023-05-15T13:01:00.008+10:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-05-17T16:16:33.135+10:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"CHARITY"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"DOG HERO STORIES"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"NEWS"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"National Volunteer Week 2023 (15-21 May) - Saying Thank You!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjRI_0KvYIUgwWo868IRTZj4HLOyCNaz5asNQHSEhZg40MGlx85AjFrRNkccMRUSRUTas1MKFMWG3yPp9UqajC8Fybk56hGM1Cmor6CqfMSlIgf0yNvjcCUtjWKgD4um8A7VGWu9pzt5jBD-XDn9ZXu7pYdHqSi1lOKf2120VXMJzcSJvWgvyy0a4OT\/s1024\/National_Volunteer_Week_Australia_May_2023_%20Volunteer_holds_Australian_Shepherd_paw.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"683\" data-original-width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjRI_0KvYIUgwWo868IRTZj4HLOyCNaz5asNQHSEhZg40MGlx85AjFrRNkccMRUSRUTas1MKFMWG3yPp9UqajC8Fybk56hGM1Cmor6CqfMSlIgf0yNvjcCUtjWKgD4um8A7VGWu9pzt5jBD-XDn9ZXu7pYdHqSi1lOKf2120VXMJzcSJvWgvyy0a4OT\/s16000\/National_Volunteer_Week_Australia_May_2023_%20Volunteer_holds_Australian_Shepherd_paw.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EAustralia's invisible workforce: the crucial role of volunteers in supporting our nation\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;National Volunteer Week (15-21 May)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/volunteeringaus\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EVolunteering Australia\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;is inviting all Australians to become a Change Maker by volunteering in their community.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAustralia has faced an array of challenges over the last few years, from natural disasters to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Remaining a constant source of stability through these difficult times, \u003Cb\u003Evolunteers are now more important than ever\u003C\/b\u003E. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAs the cost-of-living crisis bites, volunteers are vital in supporting our communities and helping those who are struggling in the challenging economic climate. Volunteering takes many forms, from fighting bushfires and supporting healthcare to simply bringing a smile to someone's face. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EVolunteers are an integral part of Australian society, and it is estimated that \u003Cb\u003Eover five million people volunteer through an organisation annually\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E[1]\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E, while an additional 6.5 million [2] provide informal volunteering support within their community. [3]\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EA new report from \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVolunteering Australia\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E featuring the latest volunteering data reveals key insights into the motivations and types of volunteering undertaken in Australia. The most encouraging finding is that, as pandemic restrictions have lifted, \u003Cb\u003Eover two-thirds (69%) of volunteers are now back in person\u003C\/b\u003E as change makers in their organisation. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe data also reveals that for almost three-quarters (72%) of volunteers, personal satisfaction, and the desire to do something worthwhile are primary motivations. Helping others and the community is also a significant motivator, with 61% of volunteers indicating this as a driving factor.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: left;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgoVt5T54R5W3J0tkOU2jNsYVxZTHgznh8FRziXw7mdUUv8KF_rCimrXE4zG1V5j41dLXmEkGaDvCIE2A8qBHPtOiA_3GwWiALgIa6kiEVKhMoBBQJtrU9WGM27OUEn6N-iX-f3I9VpoeBu_Xl96EaAwsgwpopSb7qvj8Anv2P8ZZTx21okKs23qZGw\/s2048\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_Vet_Beyond_Borders_Volunteers_AWLNSW_Mobile_Vet_Truck_during_flood_emergencies.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-family: georgia; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1462\" data-original-width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgoVt5T54R5W3J0tkOU2jNsYVxZTHgznh8FRziXw7mdUUv8KF_rCimrXE4zG1V5j41dLXmEkGaDvCIE2A8qBHPtOiA_3GwWiALgIa6kiEVKhMoBBQJtrU9WGM27OUEn6N-iX-f3I9VpoeBu_Xl96EaAwsgwpopSb7qvj8Anv2P8ZZTx21okKs23qZGw\/s16000\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_Vet_Beyond_Borders_Volunteers_AWLNSW_Mobile_Vet_Truck_during_flood_emergencies.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2021\/03\/vets-beyond-borders-volunteers-on.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EVet Beyond Borders volunteers deployed during the 2020 bushfires \u0026amp; 2021 NSW flood emergencies\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECEO of \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVolunteering Australia\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E, \u003Cb\u003EMark Pearce\u003C\/b\u003E, explains that whilst the common volunteering motivators are personal satisfaction and helping others in the community, motivations can differ with each sector.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E“Volunteering extends across society, including in the arts, education, emergency services, sports, environment, health, aged care and disability, community welfare and other vital community programs. Our new analysis of the latest volunteering data demonstrates that not all motivations and modes of volunteering are the same across sectors,” says Pearce. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E“For me, it was my love for animals that led me to volunteer my time and be a part of the \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAnimals Australia\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E board. Additionally, I believe that everyone has a right to education that is tailored to their needs, so I volunteered my time launching The Sycamore School. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E“Opening in 2017, the school was the first facility to Queensland to provide specialist support and education to people on the autism spectrum,” says Pearce. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe lockdown experience taught us the necessity of connection to others. In fact, seeking social contact was the most influential motivation to volunteer in emergency services (53%), arts and heritage (49%), and aged care (45%) organisations. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E“This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, \u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003E‘The Change Makers’\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E, highlights the powerful impact volunteers across all sectors make, supporting individuals, communities, and the nation. The week-long event recognises the millions of volunteers across Australia giving their time and energy to make change in our communities while encouraging others to consider putting their hand up.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003ETo celebrate this week, we spoke to \u003Cb\u003ERSPCA Volunteer\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003EMark Seeley\u003C\/b\u003E, one of these selfless people who give up countless hours to help better the lives of animals across Australia.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWTqtVZFIW2VK3p8aCXZTZBy_VGsX_HaWtTJ-rXnRakGj3KISKPBmZwnQD3jYHMMnloUF1MNjOmA6ZhdFu0NKdfkr3Djf6OSj4lT_4OHnK1yL3CH2iWI_IxSa-IRQhmRxHeB3IIAYJx2NOf1pezshfLaeECQyLYod8fhav1C5c81EtgSsJUI67rB7y\/s1850\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_RSPCA_Animal_Care_Section_and_Behaviour_Program_Mark_Seeley_has_volunteered%20_for_14%20years.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1233\" data-original-width=\"1850\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWTqtVZFIW2VK3p8aCXZTZBy_VGsX_HaWtTJ-rXnRakGj3KISKPBmZwnQD3jYHMMnloUF1MNjOmA6ZhdFu0NKdfkr3Djf6OSj4lT_4OHnK1yL3CH2iWI_IxSa-IRQhmRxHeB3IIAYJx2NOf1pezshfLaeECQyLYod8fhav1C5c81EtgSsJUI67rB7y\/s16000\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_RSPCA_Animal_Care_Section_and_Behaviour_Program_Mark_Seeley_has_volunteered%20_for_14%20years.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat prompted you to volunteer and why did you choose to support RSPCA Australia?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“Initially, I wanted to do some volunteer work because I had just come out of a relationship,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Eno longer played sport, and needed something to occupy my time on the weekends.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI chose the RSPCA's\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb style=\"background-color: white; color: #222222;\"\u003EAnimal Care Section and Behaviour Program\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;because I have always had a love for animals and always had dogs growing up.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI loved the thought of helping animals find their new homes, so the RSPCA it was!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI have continued to volunteer with the RSPCA for the past 14 years because of my love for all animals, but I also see the dedicated workers at the RSPCA and find\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003Ethe work they do and the love they show for every animal\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;absolutely inspiring. I know I only get to spend a short amount of time with each dog on my shift, but I do know that they appreciate every second they get. I do not volunteer with any other organisations, but did some work along time ago for a bat rescue shelter, which was very interesting.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDid you have any experience with dog or animal training \u0026amp; behaviour prior to volunteering?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“I had no prior dog behaviour training prior to starting at the \u003Cb\u003ERSPCA\u003C\/b\u003E except having my own dog for the first 35 years of my life. Although I have not completed a Certificate as such, the training that I have received from all of the Animal Attendants and Behaviour Specialists over the years have certainly prepared me for most situations that I encounter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI have recently started working with the behaviour team at the \u003Cb\u003ERSPCA\u003C\/b\u003E on a Saturday, in addition to my normal Sunday shift, which offers me more of a chance to work one on one with the dogs that require special attention for a variety of reasons. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: verdana;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6;\"\u003EWhat was one of your most significant experiences whilst volunteering at the shelter?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E“There have been so many stories over the years but a recent one was a young \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2015\/10\/australian-cattle-dog.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EBlue Heeler\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E that came into the shelter with her sister. One of the dogs was extremely outgoing and engaging and just loved cuddles, pats and anything else you could throw her way and she was adopted very quickly.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThe other dog was extremely timid and fearful. In my role with the behaviour team, I worked with this dog for several weeks, slowly bringing her out of her shell and getting her used to the world and all its noises. I have since managed to talk a friend into adopting her and have had the absolute \u003Cb\u003Epleasure of seeing her blossom into a vibrant, inquisitive, loving dog\u003C\/b\u003E. Although still a little frightened of certain situations\/noises, the improvement makes everything I do worthwhile. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThere was also another very special dog, who was a very frightened Bulldog whom I worked with for several months. I used to come and see him even when I wasn’t rostered on, because he seemed to love me visiting and I always got a big smile, kiss and cuddle! After one unsuccessful adoption, he was adopted to a loving family, who have since shared photos and stories of \u003Cb\u003Ehow well he is doing and adjusting to his new life\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EThese success stories make it worthwhile and are the reason why I keep coming back. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana;\"\u003EWhat have you found has been the most rewarding part of supporting this cause?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiKiit3W9QaOPAwc8OuRbGpL34KrAMQcZK0NJvCwQFXq4CZLrQiQQnNo8RuUhu2szWBzbdGyD_OzbvbdI1C3QywLHpxBzdUIFMIWsCb74uwFGSNBPVq_oBcqyb6uO66wdQjUpHReQKq4rL40BQn77hJRFuiCQzmaWBxj3setx1-7IXiIseYB56LOlH6\/s1067\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_RSPCA_Australia_volunteer_Mark_Selley_with_Kelpie_Dixie.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1067\" data-original-width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiKiit3W9QaOPAwc8OuRbGpL34KrAMQcZK0NJvCwQFXq4CZLrQiQQnNo8RuUhu2szWBzbdGyD_OzbvbdI1C3QywLHpxBzdUIFMIWsCb74uwFGSNBPVq_oBcqyb6uO66wdQjUpHReQKq4rL40BQn77hJRFuiCQzmaWBxj3setx1-7IXiIseYB56LOlH6\/w300-h400\/National_Volunteer_Week_2023_RSPCA_Australia_volunteer_Mark_Selley_with_Kelpie_Dixie.jpg\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ERSPCA Australia Volunteer \u003Cbr \/\u003EMark Seeley with Dixie\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E“The most rewarding part of my volunteering is without doubt seeing the animals go home with their (hopefully) fur-ever family. I’m \u003Cb\u003Enot saying that volunteering is all cuddles and puppies\u003C\/b\u003E but seeing some dogs that have been in the shelter for months or even possibly years, find their new home, certainly warms your heart and brings a smile to your face.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EI love seeing the dogs come out of their shells. Some of the dogs that come in are so broken and \u003Cb\u003Eit takes a lot of pats, cuddles, patience and love to bring them out\u003C\/b\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003ESeeing these dogs slowly improve, week by week, and seeing them recognise you and get excited to see you makes me want to keep coming back.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEach shift starts with a lot of noise and arousal and when I leave, the dogs are generally happy, fed, clean and importantly quiet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003EIf they will have me, I will be with the RSPCA until I’m 75!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E“I think working at the RSPCA has made me a more grounded person and certainly makes me feel like I’m making a contribution to help improve society.”\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENational Volunteer Week (15th – 21st May)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eis Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. Recognising there is always more work to be done, \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EVolunteering Australia\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E is inviting all Australians to become a Change Maker by volunteering or simply helping increase awareness of the vital role volunteers play in our lives this National Volunteer Week.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E“Places to start your volunteering journey include the \u003Cb\u003EGoVolunteer\u003C\/b\u003E website, contacting your State and Territory volunteering peak body or by approaching organisations in your local community.”\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EFor more information, Aussies can visit\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.volunteeringaustralia.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Evolunteeringaustralia.org\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eor head to\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/govolunteer.com.au\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Egovolunteer.com.au\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cb style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cu\u003EAbout the Research \u0026amp; Citations\u003C\/u\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E1. 5.025 million \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E2. 6.511 million \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E3. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.volunteeringaustralia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/VA-Key-Volunteering-Statistics-2022-Update.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" style=\"font-family: georgia;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003Ewww.volunteeringaustralia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/VA-Key-Volunteering-Statistics-2022-Update.pdf\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E4. Volunteering in Australia: Volunteering experiences by sector\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERelated Stories:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/pets-in-park-volunteers-help-homeless.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003EPets in the Park Volunteers help the homeless care for their pets\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2021\/05\/rspca-nsw-aged-care-community-program.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #2b00fe;\"\u003ESpotlight on RSPCA NSW Aged Care Community Program for National Volunteer Week 2021\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/feeds\/6112618791615251572\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/national-volunteer-week-2023-15-21-may.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6112618791615251572"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/2020204049726645298\/posts\/default\/6112618791615251572"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.australiandoglover.com\/2023\/05\/national-volunteer-week-2023-15-21-may.html","title":"National Volunteer Week 2023 (15-21 May) - Saying Thank You!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Australian Dog Lover"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/00400760178634828393"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjRI_0KvYIUgwWo868IRTZj4HLOyCNaz5asNQHSEhZg40MGlx85AjFrRNkccMRUSRUTas1MKFMWG3yPp9UqajC8Fybk56hGM1Cmor6CqfMSlIgf0yNvjcCUtjWKgD4um8A7VGWu9pzt5jBD-XDn9ZXu7pYdHqSi1lOKf2120VXMJzcSJvWgvyy0a4OT\/s72-c\/National_Volunteer_Week_Australia_May_2023_%20Volunteer_holds_Australian_Shepherd_paw.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}}]}});