06 Jun 2019
Giralang Primary’s supports alpaca charity
Alpaca Therapy’s Hercules at Giralang Primary School. (Photo: Brenton Sloane).
Giralang Primary School students and staff had a couple of unexpected visitors last week.
They were Hercules and Paprika, two fluffy alpacas from Alpaca Therapy, a non-profit organisation that supports Canberrans in mental health units and hospices.
Arranged by the school SRC, the visit coincided with a gold-coin dress up day to raise funds for the charity organisation.
Giralang teacher and SRC coordinator Anne Mahony said the students enthusiastically got behind the Alpaca fundraiser.
“The students really loved the alpacas,” Ms Mahony said. “They understand the work that Alpaca Therapy does and they wanted to support it.”
Alpaca Therapy founder Nils Lantzke and his two alpacas met students across all ages, answered questions and told stories. Hercules and Paprika also gratefully accepted some students feeding them sultanas and blueberries.
Sofia De Oliveira Cauzado, 9, said the visit was amazing.
“They’re adorable! The cutest creatures ever.”, Sofia said.
“They’re really good with sick people… and we wanted to raise money to help people in hospital and old folks’ homes not to feel lonely.”
Campbell McGrath, 9, agreed, saying it was important for the Giralang Primary School SRC to support the cause.
“We all got behind the idea,” he said.
“They’re pretty cute and cool, and I kind of want them. I’m envious!”
To find out more about Alpaca Therapy, visit their Facebook page.