As Christmas approaches, the Petstock Foundation’s annual Christmas Project is urging Knox residents to donate to support life-changing animal-assisted programs.
This year, the foundation has partnered with two leading organisations, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Australia and Story Dogs, both of which use animals to provide comfort and support to thousands of people nationwide.
The aim of this year’s project is to raise more than $520,000 Australian-wide to help expand access to vital services that enrich the lives of over 3000 Australians every week.
Co-founder and managing director of Story Dogs, Janine Sigley said the demand for their services is continuing to grow, with more schools across the country reaching out for help.
“We’re hearing directly from schools that need extra support for children who are struggling with their confidence and reading,” Sigley said.
“Each week, more than 2900 children participate in the Story Dogs program, and teachers tell us the program provides a safe, calm space where children can relax, make mistakes, and build their confidence.”
Despite the program’s success, the waiting list remains a major challenge and according to the Petstock Foundation, more than 500 schools are currently on the waiting list.
“This waitlist means that thousands of children are missing out on the opportunity to build their confidence and improve their literacy skills,” Sigley said.
“For those on the list, it’s a significant delay in getting the help they need.”
Sigley said the Story Dogs program has a huge impact on children’s lives, especially when it comes to building their confidence.
“Our Dog Teams provide a non-judgemental and safe space for children who are struggling with reading,” Sigley said.
“Children often feel more relaxed, knowing they can make mistakes without being judged. In fact, we’ve seen that children work harder and are more motivated to improve because they want to make a good impression on the dog.”
“Teachers have told us that, as a result, students’ confidence increases, and in some cases, absenteeism decreases because students are eager to return to school to read with their Story Dog.”
The Christmas Project is an opportunity for Knox residents to help ease the pressure on the waitlist and to bring more Story Dogs to local schools.
Sigley said a small donation of just $2 can make a big impact and allow the program to reach more schools and children in need.
“Even a modest donation can go a long way,” she said.
“When you multiply a $2 donation across a community, it can make the difference in getting a new Story Dog into a school, allowing more children to benefit from this valuable service.”
Sigley said more funding this holiday season would help expand Story Dogs’ reach in Knox and other communities still waiting for support.
And with more donations, Story Dogs can move schools off the waitlist and open new regions to ensure hundreds more children gain access to the program’s life-changing benefits.
“If we can secure more funding this Christmas, we can help more children in Knox and beyond,” Sigley said.
“Additional funds would allow us to move schools off the 500-school waitlist and help more kids access the reading support they desperately need.”
To donate, visit any Petstock store or head to petstock.com.au.
