THE Bacchus Marsh Petstock store’s staff are inviting community members to join them in raising funds for The Petstock Foundation Christmas Project.<\/p>\n
The project aims to raise more than $520,000 to help thousands of Australians every week access the animal-assisted programs Story Dogs and Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDA).<\/p>\n
RDA Australia helps children and adults with disabilities build strength and confidence through horse-assisted therapy.<\/p>\n
The organisation facilitates horse-assisted activities at more than 70 centres nationwide and is aiming to double the number of children it can help by the end of next year.<\/p>\n
Story Dogs supports primary school students to improve their literacy skills by reading to therapy dogs.<\/p>\n
More than 2900 children are involved the program in 400-plus schools each week, and there is a waiting list of over 500 schools.<\/p>\n
Funds raised through the foundation means more therapy horses, more reading dogs, and more children and communities across Australia can access the life-changing services.<\/p>\n
Petstock Bacchus Marsh store manager James Barnes said customers can help by donating as little as $2 to the foundation.<\/p>\n
“The Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is our major end-of-year campaign that helps bring comfort, care and connection through the healing power of animals,” he said.<\/p>\n
“With the help of locals in Bacchus Marsh and across the country our goal is to raise over $520,000 for vital animal-assisted programs, empowering a brighter future through comfort, care, and connection for those who need it most.<\/p>\n
“At our Bacchus Marsh store, we see firsthand how much animals mean to people, so we’re proud to support organisations like RDA Australia and Story Dogs.<\/p>\n
“Their programs bring confidence, companionship, and joy to thousands of Australians every week.<\/p>\n
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve already helped raise $1115.18 locally, contributing to more than $150,000 raised nationally so far.<\/p>\n
“Every donation helps change lives and we’re truly grateful for the generous donations that help make animal-assisted programs possible locally in Bacchus Marsh and across Australia.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Bacchus Marsh Petstock store’s staff are inviting community members to join them in raising funds for The Petstock Foundation Christmas Project. The project aims to raise more than $520,000 to help thousands of Australians every week access the animal-assisted programs Story Dogs and Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDA). RDA Australia helps […]<\/p>\n