Rotarians Mick Matthews and Rod Fletcher with Gizmo. Photos: Supplied.
FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF WYNNUM AND MANLY
Story Dogs is a not-for-profit literacy program running throughout Australia, helping around 3,000 children to improve their reading skills and grow their self-confidence in a safe, non-judgmental setting.
Story Dogs’ mission is to make reading fun for children so they become confident lifelong readers. When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing – their focus improves, their literacy skills increase, and their confidence soars.
Story Dogs is funded entirely by sponsorship and donations, which support training, equipment, and insurance for volunteer dog teams. To this end, the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly is now a proud sponsor of one of the local teams in the Wynnum Manly area.
Avid pet owner Fran Nattrass and her handsome young miniature schnauzer Gizmo help five Grade 3 students weekly at Guardian Angels’ Primary School. Fran and Gizmo are proudly co-supported by the Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly in a co-sponsorship arrangement with Raine & Horne Wynnum Manly for the next two years.
Fran gets great enjoyment from taking Gizmo to Guardian Angels’ each week. “As well as better reading skills, it’s about building self-confidence, and the real joy is seeing the kids come out of their shells,” she says.
Rotary’s co-presidents Tracey Wyatt and Rod Fletcher believe supporting Story Dogs is a wonderful investment in the future of our next generation.
Recently Rotarians Mick Matthews and Rod Fletcher (pictured above) enjoyed some tuition time with Gizmo. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
