THE impending arrival of a $20,000-plus Autism Assistance Dog will make the lives of an Albion Park family safer and more manageable.
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Chev Hitchens, 7, has autism spectrum disorder, ADD, Duane Syndrome and a learning disability.
The family have been raising funds for an Autism Assistance Dog aka Smart Pup.
His parents David and Melissa said this would provide much-needed relief for the family.
Mr Hitchens said the dog would also be a vital companion for his son, who attends the special needs class at Tullimbar Public School.
Chev regularly attempts to abscond from his parents or school.
“Chev has his ups and downs every day,” his father said.
“Every day can be a challenge… He can be really great, and other times he can be the polar opposite.
“The dogs are designed to help calm him, so it’s about being a friend for him and being able to calm him.”
The family submitted an application to Smart Pups, which was accepted.
They then started fund-raising via means such as selling chocolates, raffles and donations, collecting about $12,500.
The Masonic Lodge Kiama became aware of their cause and pledged to help the Hitchens raise the remaining funds.
Masonic Lodge Kiama's worshipful master Peter Stemp said they wanted to alleviate some of the family’s stress by assisting them as part of the organisation’s charitable endeavours.
Lodge members raised funds via barbecues, raffles, charity train rides and donations.
Masonicare is the official charity arm of NSW and ACT Freemasons.
Dapto resident Mr Stemp said Masonicare matches any money the Kiama Lodge raises between the amount of $1000 and $5000, dollar-for-dollar.
Therefore, the Kiama Lodge recently presented the family with the $10,000 total raised.
The dog will take several months to train, and the family hope he will arrive by about March next year.
The family have pledged to name a Smart Pup (although it may not necessarily end up being the one Chev receives) ‘Mason’ as a way of acknowledging the organisation’s assistance.
The Hitchens wished to thank the Masonic Lodge Kiama and all others in the community who had assisted with the raising of funds.
There will be a Kiama Historic Masonic Temple Open Day on Sunday, May 22 from 9am-4pm, at their hall on Collins Street.
Entry is by a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go to the KidzWish Foundation, who provide speech therapy assistance to Chev.
