By Dongyun Kwon
Animal Aid’s new space will finally unveil its face to locals on Sunday 29 October.
The state-of-the-art facility has 54 kennels for animals without a loving home including heating and cooling systems.
“It is easy to clean and we will make sure the dogs are happy and healthy in this place,” Communications and Engagement Manager Elle Ammann said.
The building was successfully constructed thanks to donations from a number of donors.
Animal Aid is inviting locals under the name of Kennels Kick Off to show their newly built shelter along with fun activities and food that will give special memories to visitors.
Furry family members are also invited to the event.
“Dogs are invited too! We believe it’s a day of celebration for them as much as it is for us,” CEO Mark Menze emphasised.
Animal Aid has been in operation for 75 years to provide a haven for four-legged friends.
“This event marks a momentous step in our journey but it is also a joyous celebration of the remarkable progress we’ve achieved as a community,” Mr Menze said.
“Our new shelter kennels represent our unwavering commitment to providing a safe haven for animals in need and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Animal Aid was first established in Croydon in 1948 after the end of the war and it moved to Kilsyth in 1950.
After 50 years of services in Kilsyth, it decided to relocate to Coldstream in 2000, due to the ever-growing encroachment of residential development which hindered them from providing services in the location.
Kennels Kick Off is not just to showcase a new shelter but it is also a great chance for locals to get to know about Animal Aid’s services.
“We want to show our beautiful new space to everyone but also invite the community to come and see the rest of the area,” Ms Ammann said.
“Each one of our departments is going to have a stall at the front so that they can showcase what they do.”
The event will also be a great chance for dogs to find their new forever family.
“We have about 40 dogs waiting to get their home, they have been waiting over 100 days, 200 days, even 300 days,” Ms Ammann said.
“It’s a situation we haven’t been in and it’s really hard for us to see the dogs waiting for so long.”
Animal Aid is located at 35 Killara Road in Coldstream.
The event is free without requiring bookings but some activities will charge $2 coin donations.
Visitors will enjoy a delightful array of carnival food trucks, free family fun festivities, one day only adoption specials, a spectacular dog show, Teddy Bear Animal Hospital with a real vet and tour all of Animal Aid departments to see behind the scenes.
For more information, contact Elle Ammann at ammann@animalaid.org.au or 0423 970 375.
