Tails were sent wagging as energy provider Jemena was paws-itively delighted to announce a $10,000 grant for Second Chance Animal Rescue.
Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) is expanding its Safe House and Outreach Program to support disadvantaged pet owners, especially those escaping domestic and family violence. Over the next year, the initiative will provide emergency boarding for 800 animals, assist over 1,500 people in crisis, distribute 250,000 pet meals, and reach up to 50,000 at-risk individuals through 33 human service partners.
Second Chance Animal Rescue, CEO Marisa Debattista said the organisation is incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of Jemena's Community Grants Program.
"This $10,000 grant will make a meaningful difference to Second Chance Animal Rescue by helping us provide vital care and support to vulnerable animals and the people who love them," she said.
"With Jemena's support we can continue building a stronger, more compassionate community where no pet is left behind."
Now in its seventh year, Jemena's Community Grants Program has already provided about $870,000 in funding to 85 community groups. This includes $70,000 awarded earlier this year to initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For its second round of grants in 2025, Jemena invited applications for initiatives that address disadvantage from not-for-profit organisations, schools, and charities delivering projects across Jemena's electricity and gas distribution networks. Pleasingly, this year, 16 community groups will share in over $163,000 of funding.
Craig Ypinazar, Jemena's Executive General Manager, People, Safety and Governance said the company was committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the communities in which it operates.
"Local volunteer organisations are at the heart of their communities. We can see from the type of applications we received that cost of living is still a major concerns for many in our community. These grants can go some way towards assisting those who really need it." Mr Ypinazar said.
"This year we have provided assistance to a range of different services including food programs, multicultural outreach programs, and an animal rescue that supports disadvantaged pet owners, especially those escaping domestic and family violence."
