$8,000 Donation To Help Our Region’s Most Vulnerable

Abandoned and homeless pets across the Burdekin have received a much-needed helping hand following a significant donation to the pet rescue charity servicing the region.

Life Publishing Group met with Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue at Foxtail Boarding Kennels in Ayr last week, where Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith presented a cheque for $8,000 to the charity.

The moment marked a significant milestone for Life Publishing Group, the independently owned umbrella company of Life Newspapers, including our local Burdekin Life Newspaper.

Stephanie Thomas from Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue with Editor in Chief for Life Publishing Group, Rachael Smith at the Foxtail Boarding Kennels last week. Photo credit: Trish Jandt

Charity Boost Helps Rescue Pets Find Forever Families

Ms Smith explained that the money was raised through kind donations from local businesses and individuals who attended the company’s inaugural charity event, held in October last year.

The Enchanted Garden event raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities — Trudy Crowley Foundation, My Hospital Foundation (formerly known as Mackay Hospital Foundation), Orange Sky, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays and the Townsville Spinal Unit.

“At Life Publishing Group, we are here to serve the community in every way we can. For almost 15 years, this has been through our free publications, both magazines and newspapers, and we hope they have brought joy to many,” Ms Smith said.

“Raising this money for these worthwhile charities represents a significant moment for us, a moment where we use the platform we have built over the years to give back to those who need it most.

“It has been an incredible few weeks with our team delivering cheques to the different charities, and the gratitude from all the recipients has been wonderful to witness.

“A huge thank you to all the local businesses and individuals who donated on the night, and to everyone in our team who contributed to the success of our first charity event.”

Stephanie Thomas from Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue was in Ayr on the day to receive the cheque and expressed her gratitude to the local businesses and individuals who donated at the charity event.

“Thank you to everyone who donated,” she said.

“Every cent helps us work towards our main goal of getting animals out of the pound and into loving homes, giving them a second chance at life.”

Ms Thomas added that the funds will directly support the charity’s private foster carers, who look after the animals while they wait for permanent homes.

“The money goes towards buying food for the animals, vet care, vaccinations, microchipping and desexing,” she said.

Ms Thomas also provided insight into the adoption process, explaining that it is much simpler than many people realise.

The process includes an initial phone call, a short adoption questionnaire, an adoption contract and payment of an adoption fee, and then you can welcome your new pet home.

Alternatively, community members can become a foster carer, with full details available on the Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue Facebook page.

Imagine the joy of seeing a scared, lonely animal transform into a happy, healthy companion all because you offered a temporary place in your home and heart.

Why Foster?

• Save Lives: The charity does not have a physical shelter and relies entirely on foster carers. Your home can be the safe haven a pet needs to thrive.
• Comprehensive Support: Foster carers receive all necessary supplies, veterinary care and guidance from the team.
• Make a Difference: Experience the joy of helping a pet find its forever home.

Imagine the joy of seeing a scared, lonely animal transform into a happy, healthy companion all because you offered a temporary place in your home and heart.

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