Christmas project for pet therapy

AS part of a Christmas Project campaign, staff at Petstock Bacchus Marsh are encouraging local customers to give to the Petstock Foundation.

Petstock Bacchus Marsh store manager Jimmy Barnes said people can purchase a Petstock Foundation gift or product in-store or on the website with all Victorian funds raised until the end of the month to be donated to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

“With the aim to raise $827,750 for charity partners in Australia, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to lend their support during December,” he said.

“One hundred per cent of proceeds from The Christmas Project will be split between eight organisations nationwide, including the charity partner for Victoria, Lort Smith.

“Christmas is a time for giving, so this festive season we want to do our part and help those in need and build a better future for pets and people.”

Lort Smith’s Animal Therapy Program coordinates volunteers taking their specially assessed and approved dogs to visits to hospitals, aged care facilities and youth services.

It aims to improve the wellbeing of Victorian patients and residents through positive contact with visiting volunteers and their dogs.

“Lort Smith’s mission will no doubt resonate with the community as we know someone who could benefit from their services,” Mr Barnes said.

“Giving through the Petstock Foundation will enable charities like Lort Smith to continue to thrive and support those in need.”

Lort Smith’s therapy program has been running for more than 35 years.

“It provides comfort and relief to people experiencing illness, adversity, loneliness and the long-term impacts of trauma,” said spokesperson Megan Nutbean.

“Thanks to the generous support from the Petstock Foundation and the community across Victoria this Christmas, funding will support the recruitment, assessment and training of additional pet therapy teams to enable this life-changing program to help even more people in need.”

Visit petstock.com.au/pages/the-christmas-project for more information.