By Molly Taylor
A LOVER of furry friends is calling on the community to help raise $20,000 to provide a permanent funding channel for Limestone Coast animal welfare agencies.
Mount Gambier woman Caroline Barr established a Stand Like Stone Foundation sub fund as part of her 2020 Swinging With The Stars campaign, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.
While Ms Barr has been called back to take part in 2021 annual dance extravaganza, she has been able to continue fundraising for the sub fund, raising around $2500.
Once the $20,000 target is reached, interest generated from the sub fund will be invested back into animal welfare groups, charities, rescue centres and other animal-related establishments, which are either based in the Limestone Coast or provide services to the region.
The sub fund is one of two established this year, along with the Barrie Holmes Memorial Scholarship.
Foundation chief executive Anne Kerr said the advantage of sub funds was all money generated stayed in the Limestone Coast region.
“In the Limestone Coast, it is important because we are part of a smaller pocket and they (charity foundations) tend to miss out on some of the bigger rounds of funding,” Ms Kerr said.
“But the great thing with this is, we have the sub funds which help us to contribute forever.
“Each year, the needs of the community change and sub funds are a nimble way to help with whatever those needs are.”
Ms Barr said the ability to contribute to the sector was an honour.
“We all had the privilege to chose where donations went and I really wanted to have something I could contribute to which resonated with my beliefs and myself,” Ms Barr said.
“I created the fund so I could really make it a personal experience and something which means a lot to me.
“I have always loved animals, but since moving here 18 months ago, I fell in love with Wet Noses Animal Rescue and realised there was such a need which sparked my passion.”
Ms Barr has welcomed two cats into her family – Panda and Prada – which were adopted after Ms Barr and her partner volunteered to care for them.
Hoping to raise the required $20,000 in the next 12 months, Ms Barr encouraged the community to donate any amount to continue building the fund.
“Communication is the key thing, letting people know there is somewhere people can contribute to make a difference,” she said.
“From there, it will remain forever as a bit of a legacy and a channel to raise funds.”
Visit the Stand Like Stone Foundation website to donate to the Caroline Barr Animal Rescue Sub Fund.
