State-of-the-art aid

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
COLDSTREAM’S Animal Aid is calling on the help of all Victorians to make its dreams of a state-of-the-art facility come true.
Animal Aid revealed its plans last week for a $26 million facility that has already been given planning approval.
The non-profit organisation will now begin a state-wide campaign with the help of Bendigo Bank to raise the money to pay for the multi-staged project.
The organisation launched its plans last Tuesday, 22 May, with the Coldstream site opening for tours.
Former federal minister Fran Bailey backing the campaign for funding and Animal Aid ambassador Meshel Laurie was MC for the day.
Speaking in front of a crowd of hundreds, Animal Aid acting CEO Dr Linda Marston said the organisation was determined to reach out to more Victorians through the massive redevelopment.
“With 63 per cent of Victorians currently owning a pet, Animal Aid’s number one priority is to play a more significant role in the wonderful journey which is pet ownership,” she said.
“Whether it’s through our adoption services, our vet clinic, the boarding kennel of the other suite of programs we offer, Animal Aid is determined to be a first port of call for all needs related to animal welfare.”
Although former federal minister Fran Bailey has lived in the area for 35 years and knew about the work Animal Aid did during the bushfires, she told the audience it was only on a visit 10 months ago that “I was gobsmacked to hear exactly what Animal Aid does”.
She said it wasn’t just the animals that were transformed by Animal Aid’s programs.
“Lives have been touched and turned around here,” she said.
“They’ve done their homework and they know what the world’s best facilities are that they need.
“We need to convert that enthusiasm and dedication into dollars.”
Bendigo Bank regional representative Collin Brady said this would be the second state campaign the community banks had taken part in, the first being support after Black Saturday.
“We learned it takes a collective effort to build opportunity,” he said.
“This is a community project not just for this region but for Victoria.”
Donations can be made to any branch of the Bendigo Bank including at Seville, Wandin, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Healesville.