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Petstock Foundation’s Hometown Heroes campaign offering pet care support
August 17, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
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With communities facing increasing financial pressure, there is an urgent need for additional pet care support across the country.
The Petstock Foundation is aiming to do just that, with its Hometown Heroes campaig helping ease the pet care crisis.
Increasing demand for pet care support across Australia
The cost-of-living crisis in Australia has led to more individuals sacrificing essential needs to make ends meet.
The growing disparity is causing a surge in demand for support across various sectors, including groceries, mental health services, and crucially, pet care.
Charities and community organisations all tell the same story.
They’re stretched thin and struggling to meet the needs of disadvantaged populations.
In response to this escalating crisis, the Petstock Foundation is spearheading its annual Hometown Heroes initiative, which will take place in September.
The campaign aims to raise $600,000 to assist local charities that are dedicated to helping those experiencing hardship.
Australians are encouraged to participate by making donations either in-store at Petstock outlets or online.
Pets of the Homeless and the Petspiration Group packing much-needed pet care items for the homeless (image: Petstock)
How the Petstock Foundation’s Hometown Heroes campaign is supporting Australian pet charities
Throughout September, teams from Petstock stores have chosen 27 local charities across the country to support. These charities, all of which are significant to the local communities they serve, include Pets Of The Homeless (Victoria), Lucy’s Project (New South Wales), Smart Pups – Eli’s Cause (Queensland), Safe Pets Safe Families (South Australia), ACT Pet Crisis Support (Australian Capital Territory), HorsePower (Western Australia), Riding for the Disabled (Tasmania), and Heart Dogs (Northern Territory).
✩✩ 100% of the funds raised will be distributed to these organisations.
The funds generated from the Hometown Heroes initiative will enable these charities to provide essential services such as veterinary care for pets, support for individuals fleeing unsafe domestic environments while keeping their pets, and mental health assistance through therapy animals.
These services are vital in helping people maintain their well-being and, in many cases, their ability to keep their beloved pets during tough times.The widening wealth gap in Australia, as highlighted by a recent report from the Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW Sydney, shows the top 10% of households earning six times more than the lowest 20%.
The inequality often then leads to broader social issues such as reduced quality of life, poorer education outcomes, and limited employment opportunities.
Charities like those supported by the Petstock Foundation play a crucial role in mitigating these effects and helping individuals break out of the cycle of disadvantage.
“Our mission is to empower a better future for pets and people,” stresses Jessica Curtis, Head of the Petstock Foundation.
“By highlighting local charities, we strengthen their capacity to support those experiencing disadvantage.
“Pets are crucial to our well-being, and many of our partner charities help people care for their pets, keeping beloved animals with their owners.”
Curtis adds that the initiative is entirely community-driven, with every dollar raised during September being directed to the selected charities.
⇨ Australians can contribute by rounding up purchases in-store or donating online, with every contribution being warmly received by the charity partners.
Yvonne Hong, CEO of Pets Of The Homeless, a Victorian charity involved in the campaign, highlights the significance of donations during these challenging times: “With fewer volunteers, rising costs, and increased demand, our work is often only possible thanks to donations. Contributions make a huge difference to those experiencing financial hardship, and we are grateful to the Petstock Foundation for supporting small community charities like ours.”
The Hometown Heroes campaign runs from 27 August to 30 September, providing a critical opportunity for Australians to support local charities that make a tangible difference in their communities.
How the Hometown Heroes campaign directly provides pet care support
Case study profile: Tamara
Tamara faced an unimaginable situation when she was forced to flee a violent marital relationship, leaving behind her three beloved dogs. Upon returning with support, she was devastated to learn that one of her dogs had passed away weeks earlier and the second was critically unwell. Tamara was left with her two surviving Dalmatians, Tara and Taite, and the challenge of rebuilding her life.
Safe Pets Safe Families (SPSF), a South Australia-based charity supported by the Petstock Foundation’s Hometown Heroes initiative, stepped in to assist Tamara during this incredibly difficult time. SPSF arranged for Tamara and her dogs to stay in pet-friendly emergency motel accommodation and later in a women’s shelter. While the shelter was accommodating to pets, it provided dormitory-style living with no private fenced yard, which was particularly challenging for Taite, who suffers from separation anxiety.
Throughout Tamara’s stay in both the motel and the shelter, SPSF provided vital support. This included access to veterinary care, pet food, and practical and social assistance. Without the advocacy and support of SPSF, Tamara would have faced far greater challenges in accessing housing, medical care, and emergency accommodations. SPSF’s additional services, such as doggy day care at their warehouse and transportation, were also crucial in helping Tamara manage her situation.
Over the past five months, SPSF’s support has significantly improved Tamara’s mental health and well-being, giving her hope for the future. The charity’s services have been life-changing, ensuring that she can keep her beloved dogs, Tara and Taite, with her during this difficult time.
Tamara expresses her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I could not do this without all of you inspiring me to keep going. Safe Pets Safe Families wouldn’t be what it is without all of you. Volunteers are what puts the magic in the world, especially in the world today. Thank you, I am so grateful and love each and every one of you, you all warm my heart each and every day.”
🔗✩Visit PetStock Foundation’s Hometown Heroes online for further information or to find your local store.
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