Petstock Foundation’s Big Hearts Project is this month empowering the positive impact of animal-assisted services and the important role animals have in empowering a better future for the people that need them.
Animal-assisted therapy, a form of therapy that incorporates animals such as dogs and horses to help people manage and overcome physical and mental health conditions, is especially close to the Petstock Foundation’s heart.
Since 2007, the Foundation has raised more than $10 million for its charity partners, enabling many to continue work in that space, including South Australian organisation, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Petstock Port Lincoln store manager Tammie Waters said it was calling on Port Lincoln residents to get involved in the foundation’s project in September.
“If you can, we’re asking you to give anything you can to help support the great work that Riding for the Disabled SA does, and other amazing animal assistance services,” she said.
RDA’s Susan Hooker said it was great exposure for the association to be involved with Petstock in Port Lincoln.
“It costs nearly $4000 for each horse, each year on average and we have got quite a few horses at our Port Lincoln centre,” she said.
“They range in age, there are all different heights and sizes and you have to cater for so many different-sized people, they all need to be cared for well so there can be vet bills, equipment costs and the like.
“This fundraising will ensure that we can continue to do things like that.”
Petstock Foundation, the charity arm of the Petstock Group, is highlighting the positive
impact therapy animals can have on people experiencing mental health conditions and physical or intellectual disability.
This comes as charities are reporting growing waitlists and an increase in demand for their services. It said research has shown people who undertook animal assisted therapy with dogs experienced reduced feelings of anxiety and loneliness, while horses also provided therapeutic effects including improved postural control which was important for people who suffered from conditions that affected mobility.
With 60 therapy horses accessible through RDA SA, which supported 240 clients, ongoing costs for each horse could exceed $228,000 per year.
Providing people in need access to therapy horses was often only possible thanks to the generosity and big hearts of those who choose to donate to organisations like the Petstock Foundation.
The Big Hearts Project aims to raise more than $350,000 for animal-assisted programs most in need, through a dedicated donation program with the help of animal lovers across the country who are able to spare some change this September.
Petstock Port Lincoln assists with local animal foundations and services when it can.
Currently, in conjunction with the RSPCA there are two black kittens available for adoption from the store.
