Docherty’s doggy donation

(L-R) MacKillop Family Services Community Engagement Director, Sam Patterson, Communications Manager for Community Engagement, Anna Masci, Sam Docherty and Paw Pals facilitator, Susie Pedesta, with therapy dog, Pebbles. Photo: Sarah Morton/AFL Photos

Sam Docherty has chosen Mackillop Family Services as a recipient of a large donation.

The Carlton co-captain was the winner of the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award, and he has donated $10,000 of his winnings to go to charity to the local Mackillop Family Services.

Docherty is an ambassador for Paws4Kids which is a program run through MacKillop Family Services.

The initiative continues to allow more vulnerable children to get back to the classroom through the support of therapy dogs.

Docherty’s donation will have a direct impact on the lives of children across the country.

MacKillop Family Service’s community engagement director Sam Patterson said they thoroughly appreciate the life changing donation.

“Sam is an ambassador for our Paw Pals program, which uses therapy dogs to help students stay connected to education, so they can continue learning and build the foundations to achieve the best outcomes in life,” Patterson said.

“With Sam Docherty’s support, MacKillop Family Services has been able to raise more than $1,500,000, which has enabled us to reconnect more than 800 children to their education with the support of therapy dogs. Sam’s support is changing these young kids’ lives.”

The not-for-profit organisation has facilities in Footscray, Maidstone, Broadmeadows and Melton, offering support for struggling families and children.

Gerald Lynch