New President of the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) Peter Matthews has announced that Assistance Dogs Australia, the not-for-profit organisation which trains and places assistance dogs to support people in need, will be the Institute’s charity partner of choice in 2022.
The formal relationship with Assistance Dogs Australia means REINSW events including the Women in Real Estate initiative, Novice Auctioneers Competition, REINSW Roadshow and more will raise money for the important, life-changing work of the charity.
Founded in 1996, Assistance Dogs Australia trains and places unique dogs with Australians in unique situations. The group specialises in training dogs to provide support for people with a physical disability, autism or post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as providing a range of services to these individuals and their families.
It costs over $40,000 to train and place an assistance dog, says Assistance Dogs Australia ‘Top Dog’ Richard Lord, and the organisation currently has capacity to train about 40 dogs each year.
However demand is much greater, so Assistance Dogs Australia is commencing the building of a new home in Western Sydney in 2022 which, once up and running, will have the capacity to train up to 120 dogs annually.
But there’s work to be done to get there, Mr Lord says, which is why the financial support of organisations like the REINSW is so important.
“The new Western Sydney home will define the future of Assistance Dogs Australia, ensuring many more people will gain the life changing support of one of our amazing dogs. The importance of REINSW support will contribute to putting a new roof above our heads so we look forward to being involved with the REINSW calendar events in 2022,” remarked Mr Lord.
For new REINSW President Peter Matthews, the inspiring work of Assistance Dogs Australia carries a personal connection: an assistance dog is part of his family and he has donated to Assistance Dogs Australia for many years.
“I’ve experienced first-hand the inspiring work of the trainers and the incredible impact these companions can have on people. The scope for assistance dogs to improve the quality of life for a range of people in need is enormous, so long as the great work of these people receives enough funding,” Mr Matthews said.
“We’ll be doing all we can to support this inspiring program and make more people aware of how these beautiful dogs can change peoples’ lives for the better.”