Marg Moments: animal protection clinic needs new leash on life

THE Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough is appealing for cash donations to help with the cost of fitting out three portable veterinary clinics that are being operated in place of its former outpatients clinic.

The clinic was badly damaged by fire on the morning of March 29 and police are still investigating.

Besides fitting out the three portable clinics, the shelter veterinary surgeons are trying to deal with the numerous animals booked in.

Although much of the replacement costs will be covered by insurance, the cost of renting the temporary portables, the purchase of some equipment, and medication, needs to come from the shelter’s funds.

The society is appealing to its loyal supporters and district community organisations to help. Cash donations are tax deductible.

Anyone wishing to help can call the shelter on 9798 8415 or 9798 8044.

For the creatures

Age is no barrier to the love of all creatures great and small.

One praiseworthy school, among many others, is the Wallarano Primary School in Noble Park.

Earlier this year, Australian Animal Protection Society president Andrew Fielder was invited to the school to receive a donation.

The pupils in grade 3, whose motto is ‘Kindness Matters’, had been studying pop culture and what influences people to make either good or bad choices.

They learnt about the shelter through the internet, wondered how they could help, and decided to collect food for the animals at the shelter.

When Mr Fielder dropped in to visit, he was presented with the fantastic gift of 375 kilograms of pet food.

Grade 3 pupils Sophia, Aravind, Alicia and Will gave a speech outlining the school’s efforts and another pupil, Mela, handed over a delightful letter to Mr Fielder.

“We thank the whole community of Wallarano Primary School for their generosity, and in particular, the students of grade 3 and their teachers Cammilla Beggs, Bessie Cannard, Shek Sinha and Michelle Mcleod-Dryden for their initiative and hard work in achieving such a stunning result,” Mr Fielder said. “They’ve made a real difference to the lives of our animals.”

Community quilt

The Keysborough Learning Centre has introduced yet another class to its innovative learning program to appeal to all age groups.

The new class, titled Stitching our Community, aims to bring residents together.

“Besides forging community ties the class members will assist in preserving the history of patchwork,” education program manager Mary Fox says.

“We hope it will be a source of information and inspiration to the participants. The class will be instructed by a local qualified textile artist.”

For information, call Mary on 9798 7005.

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