There’s still time to apply: PETstock lends a paw with $1 million in grants for animal welfare groups before EOFY In 2018, PETstock’s charit...
There’s still approximately $500,000 remaining to help more animals in need and PETstock is encouraging organisations to apply asap.
The PETstock Assist Grant Program provides the funding organisations need to create long-term change and care for pets and families most in need.
PETstock Assist Charity and Events Coordinator, Jessica Guilfoyle, says this is the largest donation in the company’s history, allowing the foundation to make its biggest impact yet. “We’re so excited to make a long-term difference and positive change in the lives of pets and families within communities across Australia,” she says.
Ms Guilfoyle, who has always been passionate about animal welfare, believes the program will help educate and raise awareness of rescue pets, animal health and the impact animals can have on human happiness and health. She says most of the funding will be allocated to local, grassroots organisations.
“We’re looking to fund organisations that assist with abused, abandoned and neglected pets through rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming initiatives and organisations that support those who require assistance through companion animal projects and disaster assistance,” she says.
Grant recipient Alicia Kennedy of Cherished Pets (CP) says the funding has already made a great difference to its community initiatives, which help local pet-owners who are elderly, living with disabilities and victims of abuse.
“30% of pensioners live below the poverty line and vet costs have increased 44% in the last ten years, meaning we are facing a pet affordability crisis. This funding helps us provide our community the peace of mind to worry less about the lack of pet resources,” she says.
Newest grant recipient Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) is using the money to fund an animal outreach program and help build an animal hospital facility in Hume, which will provide microchipping, vaccinations and desexing surgeries free of charge.
“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those in the community who need it most,” says SCAR Project Manager, Sarah Kilalea.
“For these people, pets are often their only companion and they will go without food to ensure their pets are fed. Knowing we can help keep their pets happy, safe and healthy will make a huge impact to their lives and the lives of their pets.”
Ms Guilfoyle says PETstock is proud to have funded CP and SCAR’s programs to make a real difference in their local communities. “We believe supporting the right organisations - that are often overlooked - will have the greatest impact helping those in need, whether that be animals, people or the planet,” says Jessica.
To ensure the money makes the most impact for local communities, organisations will be carefully vetted to ensure they are ethical and sustainable in their approach and do not contribute to the subjugation of animals.
The grants given to each organisation will depend on what is needed to achieve its goals.
“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a difference to the lives of those in the community who need it most,” says SCAR Project Manager, Sarah Kilalea.
“For these people, pets are often their only companion and they will go without food to ensure their pets are fed. Knowing we can help keep their pets happy, safe and healthy will make a huge impact to their lives and the lives of their pets.”
Ms Guilfoyle says PETstock is proud to have funded CP and SCAR’s programs to make a real difference in their local communities. “We believe supporting the right organisations - that are often overlooked - will have the greatest impact helping those in need, whether that be animals, people or the planet,” says Jessica.
To ensure the money makes the most impact for local communities, organisations will be carefully vetted to ensure they are ethical and sustainable in their approach and do not contribute to the subjugation of animals.
The grants given to each organisation will depend on what is needed to achieve its goals.
For more information, interested organisations are encouraged to visit www.petstock.com.au/assist/grant-program and to apply before June 30.
MEDIA RELEASE, 24th April 2019
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