24 June 2024
Jason and Ainslie Buchanan, their daughter Lyla, and her best friend Nancy, are spearheading a winter collection drive to support the Dogs’ Refuge Home.
Lyla, a Year 6 student at Roleystone Community College, was inspired when she learned that there is currently a canine housing crisis.
The shelter faces record numbers of dog surrenders and urgently needs assistance.
Students at Roleystone Community College are passionate about animal welfare.
Lyla and Nancy, both passionate about animal welfare, decided to help the shelter, where the Buchanans adopted their dog, Juice.
“I got my dog Juice from Shenton Park Dog Refuge a couple of years ago,” Lyla said.
“Dad suggested that we do something to help the homeless dogs over winter and I thought this was a really good idea.
“So, I asked my best friend Nancy to help me out.
“First, we had to check if we were allowed to help out the dog refuge. Dad called and they were happy for us to help out.
“Then, we called the Examiner to do an article and asked Mrs Edmunds at the school if the school could help out by being a local collection point for the community.”
Roleystone Community College has set up collection points at the front office, where donations can be dropped off until the end of June. Items such as blankets, towels, top sheets, high-quality dry dog food, tuna in spring water cans, and pet store vouchers can be dropped into the boxes and baskets provided.
Cash donations can be made, in envelopes that include the donors names, for tracking and issuing tax receipts. A unique donation page has been created for electronic contributions.
Associate Principal Amy Edmunds praised the community’s response, noting the significant amount of goods already received.
"We have had a great response from the Roleystone community so far,” she said.
“The donation drive will run for the whole of June and we look forward to sharing all of the goodies collected with the refuge at the end of June."
When asked what advice she would give to other students looking to start their own community service projects, Lyla said, “Find people to help out and go for it! It is always better to do things with other people than to do it alone.”
How to help Dogs’ Refuge Home:
- Deliver donations to the Roleystone Community College collection point during school hours, or make a monetary donation at Roleystone Community College fundraiser before the end of June.
- Donations can also be made directly to Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park at one of their donation bins onsite. The shelter is open 11 am – 4 pm daily. For advice on what other types of donations are required, visit their wishlist.
For more information about Dogs’ Refuge Home visit their website.