{"id":41599,"date":"2019-05-17T09:22:43","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T23:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rspcasa.org.au\/?p=41599"},"modified":"2019-05-17T11:24:56","modified_gmt":"2019-05-17T01:54:56","slug":"handmade-toys-for-shelter-animals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rspcasa.org.au\/handmade-toys-for-shelter-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the compassionate 22-year-old making toys and raising money for animals in need"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know a little goes a long way for rescued animals, and the animals at our Lonsdale shelter couldn\u2019t be more grateful for the homemade toys and funding they receive from this South Aussie. <\/strong><\/p>\n

An animal lover living with autism, Stuart is part of a program at Minda Inc where his activities centre around preparing donations for RSPCA South Australia.<\/p>\n

And it seems volunteering for RSPCA runs in the family \u2013 Stuart\u2019s stepfather Ken has long served as a volunteer photographer for us, too!<\/p>\n

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Weekly donations enjoyed by our Blackwood Op Shop thanks to Stuart\u2019s bottle collection project<\/h2>\n

It all started when Stuart\u2019s mum Dimity arranged for local businesses in Blackwood to set aside recyclable containers. Along with his support worker Ashely, Stuart began collecting the containers each Wednesday and taking them to the recycling centre.<\/p>\n

The best part? After visiting the recycling centre, Stuart would walk to our Blackwood Op Shop to donate the funds to the work of RSPCA South Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure the op shop workers are fully aware of the benefits to Stuart,\u201d Ken says.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it creates such a great opportunity for him to interact with people in the community while contributing to the wellbeing of animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Believe us, we couldn\u2019t be more grateful!<\/p>\n

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Stuart takes volunteering to the next level by preparing homemade pet toys<\/h2>\n

With the op shop project being more than mutually beneficial, Stuart embarked on a new project \u2013 crafting toys for the animals at our shelter.<\/p>\n

And once the toys are complete, Stuart visits the shelter to see first-hand how much the animals love his donations!<\/p>\n

\u201cStuart always looks forward to his weekly trips to the shelter,\u201d Ken says.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s so happy to see the animals his toys are helping.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Eternal gratitude for donations to RSPCA<\/h2>\n

While Stuart\u2019s donation projects all contribute to his personal development with Minda Inc, his donations play a direct role in improving animal welfare in South Australia.<\/p>\n

Without the incredible dedication of volunteers, we wouldn\u2019t be able to continue helping over 10,000 abandoned, neglected, sick and surrendered animals every year.     <\/p>\n

\u201cThe animals at RSPCA are there because they need to find new families who will show them the love and attention they deserve,\u201d Ken says.<\/p>\n

\u201cVolunteering, in any capacity, makes it possible for the deserving animals to meet that goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cStuart\u2019s activities give him a sense of purpose \u2013 and every time an animal is adopted, volunteers know that they have contributed to a brighter future for that pet.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the bottom of our hearts, and the hearts of all our animals \u2013 thank you, Stuart.<\/p>\n

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Volunteering is a hugely rewarding experience, with all volunteers like Stuart making a lifesaving difference to animals in need. Can you spare time to help us save animals? <\/strong>Apply to volunteer now.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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