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Second Chance Animal Rescue – bringing hope to people and pets in times of crises.
Second Chance Animal Rescue – bringing hope to people and pets in times of crises.
December 2024 in Events & Local Area
An annual initiative of Peppercorn Hill’s developer, Dennis Family Corporation, 2024 marks the third year the Peppercorn Hill Community Fund has been up and running.
In October this year, 20 happy community and not-for-profit groups from Armstrong Creek and surrounding areas received grants totalling $30,000, including Craigieburn-based animal shelter, Second Chance Animal Rescue.
We recently caught up with CEO Marisa Debattista to find out a little more about Second Chance and how the organisation plans to utilise the grant.
What does Second Chance do and what services and support does it offer?
“I established Second Chance back in 2008, having identified a real need in the community to provide support and assistance to people and pets in times of crisis, and bridge the gap created by limited resources.
“Over the past 16 years the organisation has evolved from very humble beginnings in my lounge room finding new homes for a small handful of pets into a dedicated animal shelter that now rescues and rehomes upwards of 130 animals at any one time. In addition, we operate a low-cost Animal Hospital on-site, providing accessible veterinary care to the public, and our services also include affordable cat boarding, dog training, and grooming, as well as essential outreach programs designed to help pet owners keep and care for their beloved companions when the going gets tough.”
Tell us a little bit about your role with Second Chance.
“As CEO, I oversee the overall operations of the organisation, ensuring that every aspect runs smoothly. A key part of my role involves building community partnerships and securing sponsorships to enhance our initiatives. I’m also committed to fostering an environment where our team can work effectively, ultimately maximising our impact in the community and for the animals we serve.”
What are the most rewarding things about being involved in the organisation?
“There are so many rewards that come with this role, but key for me are the profound connections our team builds through helping people and their pets. It’s so heartwarming to bring hope to people facing challenging circumstances, and to collaborate on solutions that lead to brighter futures – for both them and their pets. Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts within the community—and knowing that we have truly improved lives, never fails to fill me with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.”
What are the biggest challenges facing it?
“Like many not for profit organisations, the biggest challenges facing our animal shelter include limited funding and resources, which can hinder our ability to provide adequate care for all the animals in need. Also, navigating the ongoing need for community support and volunteers remains a constant effort, as we rely on these contributions to sustain the work we do for people and pets.”
What are the most critical and/or popular services and programs run by Second Chance?
“Our Safe House for Pets program is currently our most in-demand service, providing emergency boarding for pets belonging to individuals who are dealing with crises like domestic violence or homelessness. With so many people currently facing increasing financial insecurity right now – and struggling to feed their pets because of ongoing cost of living pressures, demand for our free Pet Food Pantry is also at record levels. Both of these programs provide vital support for pets and their owners in what are undeniably challenging times, and we’re committed to meeting this urgent demand wherever and however we can.
If you were granted one wish for Second Chance, what would it be?
“Financial security! If money wasn’t a concern, we could run every single one of our programs and serve our community in the most effective way possible, without the constant worry of how we’re going to fund them. People and their pets need us more than ever at the moment, but sometimes we struggle to help everyone who reaches out to us because we simply lack the resources. Contributions like the generous grant from Dennis Family Corporation are vital as they provide us with much needed funds to continue doing what we do, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”
How can people become involved, support Second Chance, donate, volunteer, access your services etc?
“There are so many ways to become involved and support Second Chance. Regular donations are amazing and always welcome! We’re a tax-deductible charity. So, for anyone that doesn't have spare time, but would like to help with a monetary donation, anything over $2 is tax deductible.
Plus we’re always looking for more volunteers to help at the Shelter, as well as foster carers to take in animals and look after them in their own homes, under the guidance of our team if and as required.
“More broadly, we encourage everyone in the local community to continue using our services – the vet clinic, grooming, puppy school and dog training, boarding cattery – to keep them running. Or, if you are in the hunt for a new pet, consider adopting an animal from us. Sharing our posts on social media is also a great help in terms of getting our messages across to others in the community.”
For further information about Second Chance Animal Rescue, visit https://secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au/
For more information about the Peppercorn Hill Community Fund, website at www.peppercornhill.com.au.
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