Karen Knuckey from Story Dogs becomes latest Westfield Local Hero

GEELONG’S Karen Knuckey has been crowned the 2022 Scentre Group Westfield Local Heroes $20,000 grant winner for her dedication to assisting children with their reading and literacy skills through charity organisation ‘Story Dogs’.

Established in 2018, Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates community role models whose work benefits others across a broad range of sectors including family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, community resilience and environmental sustainability.

Story Dogs Geelong coordinator Karen Knuckey and her dogs Penny and Libby have found their calling as volunteers over the last three years by going into schools across the region and helping students with their reading and literacy skills.

During teaching sessions, Story Dogs give students the opportunity to read and enjoy the company of non-judgmental dogs which in turn helps the children focus and build their reading confidence.

The charity continues to flourish in Geelong and thanks to Karen’s hard work, the team has grown to a strong 24-person volunteer team.

“I am absolutely flabbergasted that I won the award, it’s such an honour and will go such a long way in assisting us to do what we do Australia-wide,” Knuckey said.

“It brings me so much joy to be able to put a smile on the kids’ faces and to see the amazing improvements that they have across the year.

“Currently we assist 23 schools in the Greater Geelong region and this number will only grow with the support of this grant.

“We plan on continuing to expand Australia-wide and will also use the funds to put training programs into place.

“Story Dogs are very proud our work down in Geelong and it’s a privilege to do what we do and to see the benefits the kids get.”

Laura Alice from the Bluebird Foundation and Kerry Johnson from Encompass Community Services were also finalists and were awarded $5,000 from Westfield for their efforts.

Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager Pam Wilson said that the organisation was overwhelmed by all inspiring nominations this year.

“Through the success of the program, we are proud to be able to continue to recognise and reward everyday people doing extraordinary work in our communities.”

“We congratulate our recipients and thank our customers and communities for casting their votes to help determine our 2022 Westfield Local Heroes.”

Since 2018, the Wesfield Local Heroes program has contributed to more than 600 community organisations, investing a total of $6.14 million.

Westfield Living Centres across the country will be celebrating their Local Heroes from 13 September.

To learn more, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes