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Imagine for a moment that you could help support vulnerable children to get the best start in life by re-engaging with education.

That’s what we are hoping you can help us achieve by taking part in this year’s Paws4Kids campaign.

On Thursday 27 April, we are calling on the community to help raise vital funds for Paw Pals, our canine-assisted education program.

Paw Pals was developed to keep vulnerable young people (5 - 21 years) engaged with education. Our facilitators work with therapy dogs to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where young people can enhance their academic, social, and emotional skills.

The program is 100% community funded and reaching our target of $350,000 will allow us to continue and grow Paw Pals across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.

And if you donate to Paws4Kids, you can have double the impact thanks to our generous partners, including Petspiration Foundation (formerly PETstock Assist).

Click here to learn more or donate now

With Lucy, it really helps me feel calm being around her, and really helps me learn some strategies how to stay calm. Lucy just makes it a lot easier.

– Amber
View video transcript

Thank you to our generous supporters

We are grateful to the following supporters, whose generous support is enabling your donation to be tripled on 28 April 2023:

  • Petspiration Foundation (formerly PETstock Assist)
  • Gaudry Foundation
  • iCare Staffing
  • Our PawPrints Matching Circle - including Greg Noonan.

If you or your business is interested in supporting this year’s Paws4Kids campaign, please contact Director of Community Engagement, Sam Patterson on 03 9257 2350.

We’re also grateful to our ambassadors who are helping promote Paws4Kids, including:

Happy Smiling Laughing Caucasian Business Woman Working On Laptop Computer From Home Office T20 P Rqwo W

Our ambassadors

We are incredibly grateful to our ambassadors for their time and support, and helping us raise awareness for Paws4Kids.

Meet our ambassadors
Lara Shannon Profile Picture

Lara Shannon

"Education provides children with hope and opportunity. This program is providing those that need it most the chance to re-engage with school and complete their education, which is something many people take for granted."

"Donating to this initiative helps those that may feel the world has forgotten about them know that people do care."

Meet Lara
Sam Docherty Profile Picture

Sam Docherty

"One of the joys of playing in the AFL is the ability to use my influence to help people. I’m proud to be an Ambassador for MacKillop Family Services’ Paws4Kids so that I can make a positive difference for vulnerable children.

Donating to Paws4Kids will allow more vulnerable children to get a better start and opportunity at an amazing life."

Meet Sam

Stories from the young people we

Support

Zara The Puppy Sitting On Park Bench With Abby

Zara the puppy brings out the best in young people

Getting a puppy was no spur of the moment decision; it was something Abby planned for and looked forward to for a long time. When she brought Zara, a gregarious Golden Retriever, home – and then into work – she had no idea the positive impact it would have on the young people she works with.

Read story
Students At Bittersweet Cafe Sitting Around Cafe Table

Bitter Sweet Café hits the sweet spot for VCAL students

The tuckshop or canteen is a key feature at most schools, but very few have their own café. MacKillop’s specialist school in Geelong went a step further, opening their very own student-run endeavour, the Bitter Sweet Café.

Read story
Joanne Holding Dogs Paw

Learning through teaching

Laura* didn’t expect to be teaching a dog to heel as part of her residential care education program. But now as she looks back, she’s even more surprised about what a dog has been able to teach her.

Read Laura's story

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