It was a chance conversation between Loraine Kenway who organises “Santas Classy Helpers” Christmas Charity event and Dr Holly Goldring which has led to Noosa District Animal Hospital co-ordinating the pet food section at the Charity day this year.
“There are not many pet food donations and every year they are the first items to go on the tables,” Loraine said, expressing her concerns.
Dr Holly offered to do the heavy lifting by appealing through her industry contacts and the wonderful owners of our much loved Noosa furry locals to help boost the pet food donations for the day.
Dr Holly said: “Pets often miss meals when people are under financial pressure and they are such a hugely important part of the family unit often offering much needed emotional support in tough times. This Christmas we want no pets getting left behind”.
This is an opportunity for pet owners to donate “DIRECT TO PET” which is the whole idea behind the Charity day that all donations go directly to the people or pets that need it. This well supported and respected Charity event gets bigger every year with nearly 575 families being provided for in 2025.
Dr Holly also explains: “When families can not afford pet food, often the pets will get a share of whatever the family is eating. This is not ideal for an already financially stretched family. Human foods commonly cause gastric upsets or even toxicities, especially via hidden ingredients like onion powder present in processed food or sauces. It also is not a balanced diet for the pet longer term either and their health suffers as a result.”
Dr Holly and Loraine are asking for just 2 actions:
1: To buy something extra when you are buying for your pet
2: Drop it into the Noosa District Animal Hospital on Rene street before 1 December.
“I love the idea that your pet gets to share one of their favourite things to eat with a pet less fortunate than them this festive season. A way of your pet paying it paw-ward!”
The Noosa District team will be there to help owners on the day pick the most appropriate nutrition for their pet as well as talk about any other health concerns they may have. For anyone wanting to volunteer their time on the day please email santasclassy-helpers@gmail.com as Loraine always needs some more helpers on the day!
