Community organisation Menzies Inc. in Victoria can now upgrade its facilities for participants in its animal care program, thanks to a generous donation of $6,000 from The Honda Foundation and Travis Honda in Frankston.

The improved facilities at Menzies Inc.’s Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter means the stars of the organisation’s Animal Assisted Therapy program, Chloe the pig and cows Chelsea and Mac, are better equipped to show a gentler side of life to children exposed to violence, abuse and neglect in the home.

Applied in a number of healthcare sectors and most effectively with the elderly and children, animal therapy takes advantage of the positive physical and emotional benefits provided to human beings by animals. Often regarded as part of the family, the presence of pets can help reduce stress, loneliness, grief, fear and pain.

Available to children aged eight to 12 years, Menzies Inc.’s Animal Assisted Therapy program aims to help participants build and maintain a positive self-image and interact positively and effectively with others, allowing ongoing personal growth and development.

The children are allowed to feed and care for animals at the farm during regular supervised sessions, helping to develop trust and empathy with the animals as well as other people in their lives.

The donation from The Honda Foundation will be used to purchase a barrier system (called a cattle crush) to improve safety for staff, volunteers and children involved in the program, as well as the animals themselves.

Chairman of The Honda Foundation, Mr. Lindsay Smalley said Menzies Inc. was a worthy recipient.

“The staff at Menzies and Sages Cottage Farm work with some of the most vulnerable children in our community.

“The Animal Assisted Therapy program enables these children to bond with animals in a safe environment, so they are better able to handle the problems in their own lives. I commend Menzies Inc. for their program,” he said.

CEO of Menzies Inc. Holly Reid said, “We are grateful for the support of The Honda Foundation as we know how much of a difference this service can make in the lives of the children who come to Sages Cottage Farm.”

Menzies Inc. is a not for profit organisation providing a broad range of programs and services designed to support young people who are no longer able to live with their families. Menzies also assists young people to develop the skills they need to lead independent, fulfilled lives.

www.menzies.org.au