By Alesha Capone
Border Collie puppy Rocket has a very im-pawtent role in the community.
The four month-old cutie is “community dog” at the Laverton and Altona Community Banks and Point Cook Business Centre, which are run by Bendigo Bank.
Rocket’s owner Melissa Longo is the community banks’ marketing and events co-ordinator.
Rocket shares the community dog role with another Border Collie, named Fergus, who belongs to a bank board member.
Ms Longo said that apart from starring in posts on the community banks’ social media, Rocket and Fergus’ main role was to lift people’s spirits by attending events and visiting local businesses.
“He (Rocket) is always happy for a bit of attention and a belly rub,” Ms Longo said.
“He mostly just specialises in stealing the show.”
Rocket and Fergus are helping to raise awareness of the bank’s Community Grants Program, which is open for applications until October 31.
The program has resulted in the community banks distributing $5.3 million to local causes and organisations over the past 21 years.
Charitable and not-for-profit organisations in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham can apply for funding for projects and activities that benefit for the community, such as building social capital, community welfare, environment, health, education and culture.
“Our focus, especially last year, was ensuring whoever we are supporting were supporting the community at large,” Ms Longo said.
“Lots of people are struggling at the moment and we want to help as many people as possible.”
Details: www.bendigobank.com.au/community/community-funding/ or bdm@hobsonsbaycfs.com.au
