Harcourts Foundation Helps Smart Pups Raise More Than $35,000 for Families in Need

A $13,000 grant from the Harcourts Foundation has helped Sunshine Coast charity Smart Pups celebrate a major milestone while raising vital funds to support children with special needs across Australia.

The Foundation's grant helped deliver Smart Pups' inaugural Winter Gala, marking the organisation's 15th anniversary. Held at Maroochy RSL, the sold-out event welcomed around 200 guests and raised an outstanding $35,750 to help breed, train and place more life-changing assistance dogs with Australian families.

Since 2011, Smart Pups has placed more than 360 assistance dogs with children living with autism, epilepsy, diabetes, mobility challenges and other medical conditions, giving them greater independence, confidence and safety.

Head of the Harcourts Foundation, Pauline Smith, said supporting organisations like Smart Pups was exactly what the Foundation was created to do.

"Every grant we make is about helping extraordinary organisations create an even greater impact, and Smart Pups is changing lives every single day," Ms Smith said.

"These incredible dogs provide far more than assistance, they build confidence, create independence and bring comfort to children and their families. We're proud our grant helped make the Winter Gala such a success and, in turn, support even more families across Australia."

Harcourts Queensland CEO Andrew Friebe said the partnership reflected the values shared by both organisations.

"Smart Pups is making a genuine difference in the lives of Australian families, and we're incredibly proud the Harcourts Foundation could support such an important initiative," Mr Friebe said.

"The success of the gala shows what can happen when a community comes together behind a great cause. Every dollar raised will help provide more children with the companionship, confidence and independence that these remarkable dogs make possible."

The evening celebrated 15 years of Smart Pups' extraordinary work while raising awareness of the growing demand for assistance dogs throughout Australia.

Representing the Harcourts Foundation at the cheque presentation were (pictured) Andrew Friebe and Melissa Green, who joined Smart Pups Operations Manager Sharni and Harls, a Smart Pup currently in training, to celebrate a partnership built on making a real difference.

Through grants like this, the Harcourts Foundation continues to support organisations that strengthen communities, create opportunities and improve lives, one family, and one remarkable dog, at a time.