Helping encourage a love of reading among young school students, ten of Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank partners are supporting teams of four-legged teacher’s assistants, part of a not-for-profit program designed to boost engagement and literacy skills.
In a small-scale, calm setting, school children are invited to read to the Story Dogs with the help of the dog’s volunteer handler, building classroom confidence and helping reluctant readers discover the joy of books.
Funding from the ten Community Banks is supporting 18 Story Dogs, providing professional assessments for budding Story Dogs, training for the dog’s handler, a new set of picture books for use at the sessions and a reading rug.
It’s just one of thousands of local initiatives supported each year by Bendigo Bank’s unique Community Bank model that has so far returned $366 million to communities across Australia via grants, donations, sponsorships and scholarships.
“This is a heartwarming example of the programs our Community Bank partners have supported since 1998, with $40.3 million invested back into the community last financial year,” Bendigo Bank Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Bateson said.
“Established over 25 years ago to empower communities at risk of losing face-to-face banking services, our unique Community Bank model ensures the majority of the profits generated by each independently owned and operated Community Bank are directed back into the community.
“We are proud of the model and proud of our Community Bank partners’ support for the Story Dogs project, an Australia-wide program which is bringing joy and boosting the literacy skills of very young children.”
Community Bank Balnarring & District sponsors three Story Dogs - Billie, Ruby and Coco - that make regular visits to St Joseph’s Crib Point Primary School.
The school’s Wellbeing Leader Kate Huon said the Story Dogs are helping boost student confidence and enthusiasm for reading.
“We’ve seen the impact that animals can make on children [helping them] feel connected and a sense of belonging,” Ms Huon said.
“We have some students who can sometimes be reluctant readers and this program has provided them with another way to build their confidence and self esteem and take the pressure off from the classroom.”
Community Bank partners supporting the Story Dogs initiative include:
- Community Bank Albany, WA
- Community Bank Balnarring & District, VIC
- Community Bank Malvern East, VIC
- Community Bank Buderim, QLD
- Community Bank Mt Martha, VIC
- Community Bank Aspendale Gardens-Edithvale, VIC
- Community Bank Parkdale, VIC
- Community Bank Mukinbudin, WA
- Community Bank Sandringham, VIC
- Community Bank Roleystone-Karragullen, WA.
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