CEO UPDATE
Since the last newsletter, Lions Assistance Dogs has undergone one of the biggest changes of its 46 year history, with our operations moving temporarily off-site into a local premises, in Hahndorf. The new Operations Centre is only a five minute drive from our Training Centre, and gives our team more space to work effectively, allowing us to continue providing our life-changing services throughout the redevelopment. If you are in the area, you are most welcome to visit during business hours.
Last month we held our annual celebration of our many volunteers. As a Lions project, volunteering is part of our core, and without our Puppy Carers, Guardians, BnB, Enrichment Volunteers and Emergency Evacuation Homes, we wouldn’t be able to continue our life-changing programs. During the celebration we acknowledged the impact of our volunteers and highlighted a few outstanding efforts throughout the year. The Barbara Goldspink Award is reserved for volunteers only and is given out annually to recognise the highest level of impact. This year the recipients of the award were PDG Megan Butler & PDG Peter Korndorfer. Meg and Peter volunteer across multiple programs and have done so for many years, not only raising puppies, but as guardians, and with Meg volunteering on our Board as our Treasurer.
Additionally, we awarded two Bill Holmes Awards. The first to Lynda and Anthony Kingsley, who helped us develop our BnB program and have given homes to five puppies in training, as well as Veronica Seedhouse, who has raised multiple puppies and helped to build a strong support network of carers in the Northern Suburbs. We had over 80 volunteers attend the “Christmas in July” themed event and even Santa made an appearance. For those volunteers who were unable to make it, from the entire Board and Staff of Lions Assistance Dogs, thank you for all of your efforts. Without you, there would be a lot less people who would benefit from the support of a Lions Assistance Dog.
Finally, As we continue to grow and evolve as an organisation, there are now more opportunities than ever to be involved in the work we do. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, spreading the word or becoming a monthly member, every contribution helps us build a stronger future for Lions Assistance Dogs. Our monthly members play an especially important role, providing reliable ongoing support that helps us plan ahead and continue expanding our reach to help those in need. Monthly members get access to exclusive opportunities and information, like the stories from Elsie & Arias pups. We would love for you to join us on this journey and become part of the next chapter of Lions Assistance Dogs, just like Mel and I are.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours in service,
PCC David Horne
Chief Executive Officer
