On the last Sunday of every month, St John’s Anglican Church in Darlinghurst is transformed into a pop-up clinic where qualified vets and nurses volunteer their time to conduct free health checks, vaccinations, flea/worming treatments and to treat other ailments with professional advice and medication. Veterinary care like this may be otherwise unaffordable for people who are disadvantaged or homeless.
The mission statement of Pets in the Park reads: “To support, build relationships with and improve the wellbeing of homeless people in society living with animal companions. Many people who are experiencing homelessness own pets that play a significant role in their lives. These much loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security – basic human needs that are often not met elsewhere.”
The black-and-white portraits featured in the 2015 Pets in the Park fundraising calendar beautifully encapsulate the bonds between clients and companions, who receive ongoing assistance from the organisation.
