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Inspiring 5
Lorelle's just walking the dog Free mulch
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“Both she and my husband passed away a few AYLESFORD’S Lorelle Thompson-Pope months after I saw that ad and a couple of months later and her dog Dotti are walking every day in August, for at least 30 minutes a day, to I contacted Guide Dogs Qld, where I was living at the time, and became a puppy raiser. Dotti was the first raise money for the PAWGUST 2018 challenge. The event raises money for Guide Dogs Australia and supports its puppies currently in training who will one day go on to give someone freedom and confidence to move around the community. Lorelle said her support for Guide Dogs Australia came from her late husband. “He was diabetic and lost his eyesight as a result of that and we got some support and advice from a couple of different guide dog groups. I started to learn what they do to help people who are blind to manage and have a better quality of life. “My husband could never have had a guide dog because of other problems he had, resulting from his diabetes, but we learned about other aids that could help to manage his condition. “Not long before my husband died, and I had an elderly dog, I saw an ad asking people to volunteer to become guide dog puppy raisers and I thought that I could do that after my little dog passed on.
puppy I raised. “She was with me from the time she was eight weeks old and when she was about one she went to do her guide dog training. They soon decided that she had all the qualities they look for in a good guide dog and they'd like to have more like her so she became part of their breeding program. She came back to live with me so I was her carer throughout her breeding career. “Over the next few years Dotti and I raised three other puppies who were part of the guide dog program - it was always such a special time when the dogs graduated from puppy training to full guide dog training.”
Link: www.pawgust.com.au/fundraisers/ lorellethompson-pope Image: Kyle Barnes
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EPTEMBER is Free Mulch Month at Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s transfer stations. To help get gardens ready this spring, residents are encouraged to take advantage of this offer of free mulch available at the Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend transfer stations. Applying mulch at this time of year can help to protect plants from the cold winter temperatures. The free mulch is produced from garden organics dropped off at council’s transfer stations. It is used on Council gardens and open spaces, and is available to residents living in the Macedon Ranges Shire. Residents will need to provide proof that they live in the shire, such as a driver licence, rates notice or utility bill. This is a first-come, self-load offer. Residents should bring their own shovel, containers or trailer, and protective clothing. To assist council in managing demand for the free mulch, residents are asked to register their interest by contacting council on 5422 0333.
Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/transfer-stations
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