Sanctuary On Eyre supports a diverse array of children, adolescents and adults in becoming the best they can be by using rescue animals as a bridge to connect.
Founder and chairperson Cate Harrison is a retired teacher passionate about the positive impact animals can have on people’s wellbeing.
“I saw the magic animals have, it’s amazing – when I retired I knew I’d be doing something with animals and people,” she said.
With decades of experience in teaching and animal care behind her, Ms Harrison has spent much of her life teaching and caring for animals.
Growing up with regular visits to family farms, from being a registered breeder that took her dogs to shows with husband Paul then running around South Australia with a mobile education unit containing farm animals, reptiles, native animals and more, Ms Harrison has a wealth of knowledge she has continued to share wherever she lives.
Sadly, in 2011, Paul was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and passed away six months later.
“During Paul’s treatment and afterwards my animals gave me strength, courage and a purpose. My family were and are my rock as well,” she said.
“The fire in my belly, to make a difference in children’s and animals’ lives, is glowing. It will not be extinguished.
“I researched what facilities were around, and in 2015 I created Sanctuary on Eyre as an established charity. After Covid we decided we needed to have a physical spot which is when Julie offered her land.”
Julie Fischer is the treasurer of Sanctuary on Eyre and owns the property that animals like therapy horse Merlin live on.
Sanctuary On Eyre is made up of experienced and passionate educators, community minded animal lovers, wildlife carers, a vet surgeon and more.
It does work at Port Lincoln High School, where Ms Harrison has been taking rescued greyhound Hope on Wednesdays.
This is an event the students look forward to.
It is part of the services that Sanctuary On Eyre provides as a mobile charity.
It is available to visit schools, hospitals, aged care facilities and events with a physical hub, educating and supporting ongoing wellbeing self-management skills.
There are new activities on items on the agenda for the sanctuary.
“Beacon of Hope in Tumby Bay has reached out, they asked us to go to one of their meetings, so I went with Julie and they said they want to support us,” she said.
“They can see too that there’s a huge need for people with special needs or improving mental wellbeing, so they will be assisting with a grant application for us which is amazing.”
Sanctuary On Eyre operates with the motto, ‘For the love and wellbeing of animals and people’.
