By Afraa Kori
As the cost of living crisis continues to mount for people and their beloved pets, Pakenham’s Gabbi Rossiter has reached an incredible milestone in her quest to keep best friends together.
She created charity portraits as part of Pets Of The Homeless (POTH) ‘Never Tear Them Apart Giving Day’ on Wednesday 13 November.
Initially her goal was $2000 but she raised $20,866, earning her the distinction of being the first highest creative fundraiser and the top fundraiser for POTH.
“It completely blew my mind because I only started 3 November and we were at $5000 the first day. With my waitlist, I’ve drawn 160 portraits for this event,” Gabbi said.
“I love that I get to draw and it makes a difference. I’m an animal lover, so I get all these funny photos of dogs and cats, and then I get to have fun and put my spin on it and do something I love. I got a lot of positive comments about how my art is unny and insightful on the pets’ personalities.”
The funds raised will provide essential pet food and veterinary care because a person’s financial position shouldn’t prevent their pets from receiving the care they need.
POTH has just reached their 2,000,000th meal distributed to feed hungry pets of people in need, and they are not stopping there.
The charity, whose mission is to help keep vulnerable people and their pets together during tough times, started from humble beginnings nine years ago when founder Yvonne Hong hit the streets of Melbourne with a suitcase full of pet food and a desire to give back.
“Pets play such an important role in our lives, and during times of hardship their companionship can be a huge source of emotional support. For some people, their pets are all they have,” Yvonne said.
The charity established Victoria’s first ever Pet Food Bank in 2019, and today their network of committed volunteers help to pack over 44,000 meals every month to distribute to their network of over 65 community partners across the state. They also provide veterinary care and safe shelter to people and pets in need.
“Having reached two million meals is a source of immense pride for us, but it also brings us a sense of sadness as it reflects the increasing number of individuals who now depend on our assistance to keep their pets fed. For many people needing support, they will choose to feed their pet before they feed themselves,” Yvonne said.
As the demand for the charity’s support reaches new heights and donors face increasing financial pressures, Gabbie’s portrait fundraiser is making an incredible impact.
“Not only is it helping to raise vital funds, but it’s also spreading awareness about our mission. This creative and heartwarming initiative is a truly delightful way to make a difference,” Yvonne said.
“A lot of people that I was speaking to about it, they could all relate on some level of how important their pets were to them and how they didn’t know that the charity was even out there doing the work that they’re doing. I’ve been in many community notice boards, spreading the word in all of my posts and it’s helped everyone realise that there is this amazing service out there. I just like seeing all the support and the comments encouraging me to keep going.
I feel like I’ve been in contact with so many people and I’ve raised so much awareness for it,” Gabbi said.
“In terms of my fundraiser, I don’t think I’ve really seen anyone offering the portraits back as a donation incentive. Pets for the Homeless are Melbourne specific and they’re a local charity. Yvonne, the founder, was literally on the ground with pet food, walking the streets of Melbourne to begin this charity, and it’s just grown so much. I feel like at the current cost of living crisis, we can all relate to and it’s hard to afford everything for your pets. I’m just so glad that we have something so specific and so local that can help.”
Gabbi is also encouraging others to start their creative fundraisers to help make a difference in the community.
“Just do it and just do something different. I was so scared when I first put those posts out and thought that no one would want it or, people would be unhappy with the portraits they got back. But the response has just been amazing. A lot of people are very eager to get involved. I had a lot of people who participated in the last round commenting, encouraging people to do it because they were happy with what they got last time.”
Fundraiser continues: petsofthehomeless.org.au/fundraisers/gabriellerossiter/nevertearthemapart
