Puppy love raises $35,750 for Smart Pups as charity marks 15 years
Head to head: Smart Pups patron Dawn Fraser AC MBE gets up close with a trainee pup, ahead of its future role changing a child's life.
A packed room at Maroochy RSL turned puppy kisses into real change last week, with Smart Pups Assistance Dogs raising $35,750 towards a new Community Shed at its inaugural Winter Gala.
The Thursday 16 July event drew 155 guests to celebrate the Sunshine Coast charity's 15th anniversary, with funds raised going directly towards a new training and community facility planned for Smart Pups' Verrierdale base.
Guests were greeted with welcome drinks and a puppy kissing booth, getting hands-on with some of Smart Pups' young future assistance dogs, before special presentations throughout the evening marked 15 years of the charity placing assistance dogs with children across the region.
Heartfelt testimonies from recipient families moved the room, as parents shared what an assistance dog has meant for their child and household. A keynote from Beau Vernon and Pat Welsh added further depth to the evening, with Beau sharing his own story of positivity and moving forward despite disability and life's challenges.
The new Community Shed will allow Smart Pups to engage more closely with community, disability and school groups, while continuing its core work training assistance dogs for children with special needs.
Founded in 2011 by Patricia McAlister, Smart Pups has placed more than 360 assistance dogs with children, at a training and placement cost of approximately $50,000 per dog.
"To see this room full of people who believe in what we do, celebrating 15 years alongside our families, was truly special," said Sharni Pinder, Operations Manager at Smart Pups. "This result will give a great boost to the Community Shed project, which is fantastic."
As a first-time event for the charity, the $35,750 raised was a strong result, and one Smart Pups hopes to build on with future events as it works towards completing the Community Shed by the end of 2027.
Smart Pups trains and places assistance dogs with children across a range of conditions and needs, aims to place around 20 dogs a year, and currently has a waitlist of approximately 18 months. Its patron is Dawn Fraser AC MBE.