Many of the children we support have experienced some tough issues: family violence, neglect, abuse, significant loss and grief, or social and emotional challenges.
These children require trauma-informed support, therapeutic interventions and flexible approaches to support them to heal and engage in activities and learning that will shape their future. Our MacKillop Education schools provide a trauma-informed learning environment for these children, and our Paw Pals program offers a flexible, innovative approach to support children to manage their emotions and behaviour, improve their confidence and reconnect with their education.
We fund our Paw Pals program through our annual Paws4Kids matched giving campaign and this year, we’re excited to announce that this program will also be supported by Polished Pet, an initiative of the Polished Man campaign that seeks to end violence against children and fund trauma-recovery and prevention programs.
Polished Man encourages people to paint a single nail for the month of October and commit to helping end violence against children. A single polished nail is a conversation starter, and more people talking about Polished Man means more funds raised for trauma prevention and trauma recovery. Critically, the campaign helps raise awareness of an issue that we don’t talk about enough. In Australia, one in six women and one in ten men report having been physically and/or sexually abused as a child. Child abuse and violence against children is an issue that is shockingly close to home, and one we all have a role to play to prevent violence and protect our children.
Polished Pet provides the opportunity for your pet to also stand up against violence. Supported by PETstock, who is also a partner of our Paws4Kids campaign, with Polished Pet you’ll be able to treat your pet to a blue painted claw at any PETstock store throughout October.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up: Sign up with your fav family member, your pet! Simply register online, fill in a few deets, then kickstart your fundraising, and your pet will be sent a stylish Polished Pet bandana and animal friendly polish.
Polish up: Get painting, colour a claw, paw or treat your pet to a PET-i-cure in-store at any PETstock store for a $2 donation.
Snap a selfie: Show off your pet’s freshly painted claws to help raise awareness. Don't forget to hashtag #polishedpet for the chance to be featured on our website and socials.
Visit Polished Pet (polishedman.com) and sign up today!
