By Bonny Burrows
Two horse loving organisations have come together to support their equine friends.
Not-for-profit group Pakenham Pony Rescue Organisation and family-owned business Pakenham Produce and Saddlery have a newfound partnership after the latter agreed to sponsor the rescue group.
“It was very kind for Paky produce a few weeks ago, during family pet expo day, to ask if they could help us out,” Pakenham Pony Rescue founder Dean Cowan said.
The horse rescue, founded by Mr Cowan in 2015, takes in unloved, abandoned and mistreated ponies, which would “otherwise be dogfood”, and restores them to health.
It also allows the general public to volunteer their time at the rescue or sponsor a pony for their own, as part of a program aimed at restoring the animal’s trust with people.
But as a not-for-profit, money is tight and so it relies on fund-raising and donations, such as Pakenham Produce and Saddlery’s latest offer to operate.
“They gave us a portable hot water heater. Breanna (Ure), the owner’s daughter, offered it to us. It’s a good thing, a wonderful thing,” Mr Cowan said.
The water heater, gifted to the group on 28 October, will be used for different purposes – washing the ponies before visits, cleaning wounds from the upcoming medical facility and volunteers and guests washing their hands.
“There’s a mutual benefit for everybody,” Mr Cowan said.
“And as a not-for-profit, every little bit helps.”
For more information on the group or to donate or volunteer your time, visit the Pakenham Pony Rescue (Not for Profit) Organisation Facebook page, email pakenhamponyrescue@gmail.com or phone Dean Cowan on 0414 310 600.
Alternatively, tax deductable donations of more than $2 can be made to account name: Pakenham Pony Rescue Organisation, BSB: 033-636, account number: 361152.
