Mate's Gift

02/01/2025

ACT Dog Rescue: 2024 Stats From ACT Dog Rescue

When you look at these incredible numbers, take a moment to picture just two women running this massive operation—Ebony and Cari. They manage it all, day in and day out. And that’s not even counting their flight hours, bringing adopted dogs overseas, flying home for suitcase runs, handling endless social media questions, and so much more.

Weekends? They don’t exist.
A night off? Forget about it!

Ebony and Cari’s tireless dedication deserve a tonne of praise. Their impact goes far beyond the stats—changing lives for both animals and people.

We at Mate's Gift have had the privilege of seeing their incredible work firsthand. If you’re travelling to Bali, we highly recommend stopping by to visit the ACT Dog Rescue team. And if you can, bring along some goodies to support their mission. Every little bit helps!

🎉 2024! OMG THAT'S A WRAP! 🎉

Holy s**t! What a year! Can we have a day off soon please?! 😂

We are not a huge organization, we are just two women focused on doing everything we can for the animals and the community. But check out these numbers! No wonder people think we are some big well funded org! 😂

This was a year of total craziness like always but we survived it!!! Every year that passes, we can’t believe we survived another! 😱

Every year is a struggle, basically every day is, but we keep pushing through cause the animals on this island need us. So many people here need our help with their animals and the 181 animals currently in our care are totally counting on us!

This was what made the 2024 sh!tshow all worth it! Here is what we have achieved in 2024:

🟩 331 - RESCUES 🚑

🟩 4364 - VACCINATIONS GIVEN 💉

🟩 4434 - STERILIZATIONS PERFORMED 🐕

🟩 388 - ADOPTIONS FUREVER HOMES FOUND 🏡

NONE of this could have been possible without all you amazing people who have been supporting us this past year and for many years prior!

Each of you have been with us every single step of the way and we are constantly grateful and absolutely blown away by the support you all have shown us!

We will try to bring you closer to the action in 2025 as we never really have the time from social media but we realise you guys only see a very small snippet of what we are doing and dealing with! It’s hard to put into perspective the huge scale of things but we will try harder this year! Hopefully you won’t all get too depressed 🫣

We have some great updates coming soon - some happy ones to start the year! So look for those and hopefully many of you can help us keep those updates coming in 2025!

It’s quite overwhelming actually to know we are starting the new year in debt and that in just 2 days we have already filled a couple of vet clinics with dogs needing intensive care, but that’s a whole other story 😅 Let’s stay positive for now 😂

Thank you all for your support! And if you have not signed up as a Monthly Patreon Sponsor or a Monthly Adult Dog Sponsor - please consider doing so asap! It’s really a great way to help and we urgently need more monthly sponsors as the new year hits us head on!

Love to you all 💜
From Eb, Cari and the 181 currently in our care!

30/12/2024

Help Us Support ACT Dog Rescue’s Street Clinic

During a recent street clinic run by the incredible team at ACT Dog Rescue, this sweet boy was brought in for sterilisation—but it became clear he needed much more. He has significant injuries, and his leg will need to be amputated to save his life.

In a culture where dogs aren’t always prioritised like other family members, it was so moving to see his owner come forward, clearly loving his dog and asking for help. This act of compassion is what makes projects like ACT’s street clinics so important.

Thanks to the Mate’s Mobile, ACT was able to pick him up and get him to a vet for further care. Now, they’re working to raise the funds needed to:
- Amputate his leg
- Sterilise him
- Vaccinate him against rabies and other diseases
- Provide the post-surgery care he needs to heal and return to his loving owner.

ACT Dog Rescue needs our support to make this happen. Every donation makes a difference!

Who can help them give this brave dog the care he deserves?

Let’s come together to support ACT Dog Rescue and their life-saving work.

If you’re able to send over a few dollars we will make sure this lucky pup gets the surgery he desperately needs.

For those who are able to help financially, QR code can be scanned for bank account details and if you can’t that’s ok? It’s been a big year, a like or share will go a long way to helping too 🐾

Mate's Gift

30/12/2024

Introducing the Mate’s Mobile!

Thanks to the incredible support we received during our July fundraiser, we’re thrilled to share that the funds raised have provided ACT Dog Rescue with a sterilisation clinic on wheels!

This vehicle has been a game-changer. It’s being used almost every second of the day—not just for desexing but also for rescues, pick-ups, and adoption days. By having this mobile clinic, ACT Bali has saved money on drivers and GoJeks while also reaching more animals in need, faster and more efficiently.

We recently had the privilege of seeing the Mate’s Mobile in action—it was incredible to witness the impact it’s already making. And while we were there, we proudly wore our new Mate’s Gift tees! If you’d like to grab one, get in touch—all proceeds go directly back to our sterilisation projects.

As always, we have so many exciting projects on the go, and it’s all thanks to your ongoing support. Without you, none of this would be possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re creating real, lasting change for animals in need.

Let us know if you’d like to get involved or support one of our projects!

29/12/2024

🌿 Harvesting for the Giants of Tangkahan 🐘

We’re thrilled to share some amazing photos and videos of Beni, Pirman, and Ben working hard alongside the mahouts, harvesting King Grass for the elephants. Their dedication and teamwork are truly inspiring! 💪🌱

Thanks to funds raised at our July Mate's Gift fundraiser, we were able to purchase land to grow King Grass, pineapples, and other fruits. This project:
🌟 Employs local workers, providing much-needed jobs in Tangkahan.
🌟 Helps feed the elephants, who munch through an incredible 150kg of food every single day!

This initiative supports not just the elephants but also the mahouts and the village of Tangkahan, helping to ensure these gentle giants stay healthy, happy, and safe.

A huge thank you to Beni, Pirman, Ben, and the entire team on the ground for their constant hard work, and of course, a special shoutout to the Tangkahan elephants for being their amazing, majestic selves! 🐘💚

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. YOU make this happen.
Thank you! 🙏

25/12/2024

Natal, Selamat Hari Natal, and Merry Christmas to all!

While we celebrate this joyous season, it’s important to reflect on some of the real challenges animals face across the world. One of the heartbreaking issues we fight against is the dog meat trade, a cruel and inhumane practice that continues to affect countless lives in Indonesia and beyond.

This Christmas, Anita and the incredible team at Toba Animal Friends Sumatra, together with other dedicated organisations, have raised funds to make a powerful statement. In the city of Medan, they’ve placed banners that translate to: “We celebrate Christmas and New Year together without dogs as food.” These billboards are a bold step toward changing hearts, minds, and traditions for the better.

Here in Australia, we are so fortunate to have laws and cultural norms that protect our beloved dogs and other animals. It’s a privilege we should never take for granted.

Let’s take a moment this Christmas to send love, hope, and gratitude to the animal welfare heroes who face heartbreaking realities every day. Their work is difficult, but it’s driven by hope and the belief in a brighter, kinder future.

May your day be filled with joy, compassion, and a reminder of how lucky we are to be surrounded by the love of family, whether they have two legs or four.

With love and gratitude,
The Mate's Gift Team

24/12/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Mate's Gift! 🎄

From the team here in Melbourne and our incredible crew on the ground—Beni, Pirman, and the team in Tangkahan, we want to wish everyone a safe, happy, and joyful Christmas.

This year has been nothing short of amazing, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Every single one of you has been an absolute superstar (yes, we mean you!).

✨ What’s next?
Stay tuned, because we’ve been busy behind the scenes! We’ve got updates from the past week in Tangkahan and Toba that we can’t wait to share with you in the coming days—and some exciting plans for 2024.

In the meantime, if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit and would like to support our work, you can scan the QR code below to visit our donation page. Bank transfers are simple, and every little bit helps us continue making a difference for animals and communities in need.

Thank you again for being part of Mate’s Gift. You’re the reason we’ve had such an incredible year. Here’s to an even bigger and brighter 2024!

With love,
The Mate’s Gift Team 💚🎄

19/12/2024

Paws & Pours for a Cause

Hi Mate's Gift community,

A huge shout-out to our friends at Hairy Hounds Playground for launching their holiday bottle and can collection drive! By holding onto their empty bottles and cans over the festive season and returning them after the break, they’re helping us raise much-needed funds for Mate’s Gift.

These contributions don’t just help us launch new projects—they help cover the ongoing costs that keep our existing programs running. We rely on your support to pay the salaries of the dedicated team members working on our parasite control program, making monthly visits to treat and monitor the animals in their care. We also pay salaries for the hardworking crew who maintain and clear the elephant grassland, harvesting fresh feed for these gentle giants.

If you’re in the area and would like to pitch in, feel free to drop your bottles and cans at Hairy Hounds Playground after 6 January. Every container counts, and by joining in, you’ll be making a direct difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Thank you, Hairy Hounds Playground—and thanks to everyone who supports us. Together, we can make an even bigger impact in the year ahead.

18/12/2024

Hey animal lovers! 🐾 We’re thrilled to announce that Mate's Gift is now on Instagram! 🎉

Follow us at to join our journey in supporting animal welfare.

Stay tuned for heartwarming stories, updates on our initiatives, and ways you can get involved.

Let’s make a difference together! 💖

14/12/2024

We’re excited to announce that Altona Veterinary Clinic at 97 Pier Street, Altona, has become the first clinic to support our initiative by accepting donations of unused pet medications. This partnership enables us to repurpose these medications for animals in need, making a significant impact on their health and well-being.

Altona Veterinary Clinic is a trusted provider of veterinary services, known for their commitment to pet wellness and compassionate care. Their support of our program reflects their dedication to the broader animal community.

We invite the community to donate any unused pet medications at Altona Veterinary Clinic. Your contributions will directly benefit animals in need, ensuring they receive the necessary treatments for a healthier life.

A heartfelt thank you to Altona Veterinary Clinic for their leadership and support in this endeavor. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many animals.

For more information about Altona Veterinary Clinic, please visit their website.

13/12/2024

A huge thank you to Petstock Altona North for their ongoing generosity and support. Head Vet Gloria, Practice Manager Rachael, and their wonderful team have been instrumental in helping street dogs by donating expired medications for quite some time now. These medications are invaluable in providing care and relief to animals who would otherwise go without treatment.

Their contributions demonstrate a true commitment to animal welfare, and we’re so grateful for their continued partnership. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of countless street dogs.

Thank you, Petstock Vet in Altona North, for being such a compassionate and active force in our community!

For more information about Petstock Vet in Altona North, please visit their website: https://www.petstock.com.au.

12/12/2024

Did You Know Mate's Gift is a Grassroots Program?

What does that mean? Grassroots initiatives are built from the ground up, driven by local communities to create real and lasting change. At MatesGift, we’re proud to work alongside an incredible team in Tangkahan, led by Beni and Pirman.

Beni, Pirman, and their team are the heart of this program. Every month, they visit villages to administer worm and flea medications, ensuring dogs and cats receive consistent, life-changing care. Their work is transforming animal welfare in the area, keeping animals healthier, reducing suffering, and improving the lives of the entire community.

This program thrives because of the dedication of our local team and the generosity of our supporters. Donations provide the salaries that enable Beni, Pirman, and their team to dedicate their time to this vital work, as well as the resources they need to deliver care and keep us updated on the program’s impact.

What makes MatesGift special is its sustainability. It doesn’t depend on outsiders being on the ground to function—it’s powered by the local community, creating long-term, meaningful change.

Thanks to their incredible work—and your support—we’ve already seen huge improvements in the health and happiness of Tangkahan’s animals. If you’d like to help keep this grassroots program thriving, please consider donating. Together, we’re making a difference!

Mates Gift (Australian bank account)
923100 BSB
17858777 ACCOUNT
Please get in touch for other ways in which you can donate or assist our program

12/12/2024

🐾 Got Unused Meds? Let’s Put Them to Good Use! 🐾

A huge thank-you to to Hairy Hounds Playground for being an official drop-off point for our Unused Meds Collection Drive! Keep an eye out for the donation box next time you visit and help us gather life-saving meds for animals in need.

If you own or run a shop, clinic, or business and would like to join the cause as a drop-off point, we’d love to hear from you! Together, we can make a big difference in the lives of animals who need it most.

📩 Message us to get involved or to learn more!

Let’s spread the word and make an impact 💕🐕🐾

’sGift

09/12/2024

Fencing Hope for Toba Animal Friends Sumatra

Back in July, we visited the incredible Toba Animal Friends in Sumatra for the first time. Anita and her small, dedicated team are doing extraordinary work caring for over 50 dogs on a beautiful, sprawling property. It’s a safe haven for these dogs, where they’re free to roam, play, and live healthy lives.

But here’s the challenge: no proper fencing means no guaranteed safety. Without secure boundaries, the dogs can escape, which risks them becoming lost, hit by cars, or—unthinkably—falling victim to the dog meat trade. For healthy dogs like these, the danger is real and urgent.

We at Mate's Gift are stepping in to help raise the funds needed to build proper fencing for the property. This is no small task. It’s a massive undertaking that includes:
🛠 Cement, metal sheeting, and other materials
🚛 Transporting materials from Medan via ferry and up slippery hills with hired trucks
💪 Coordinating a small team to make this fence a reality

The total cost? Approximately 4,000 AUD.

✨ Progress Update: Thanks to early support, one section of the fence is already underway, and we have some amazing progress photos to share! But there’s still a lot of work to do, and Anita needs all the help she can get to secure the rest of the property.

💛 How You Can Help 💛
Your donations—big or small—make a huge difference. Together, we can help Anita create a safe, secure sanctuary for these dogs. Every dollar counts toward protecting them from harm and giving them the peaceful life they deserve.

🔗 Donate here:

Mates Gift (Christie Reeves)
923100 BSB
17858777 Account

Let’s rally together to support this incredible cause and show Anita and her team that we’re with them every step of the way.

06/12/2024

🐾 DONATE YOUR UNUSED MEDICATIONS – HELP SAVE LIVES! 🐾

In Australia, millions of dollars’ worth of unused medications go to waste every year. Instead, those meds could treat dogs and cats in Bali and Sumatra who desperately need care.

We’re collecting leftover vet and human meds to help animals with ongoing medical issues—and qualified vets will ensure every donation is safely distributed where it’s needed most.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
💊 Message us to arrange collection or drop off point for your left over meds.
💊 Share this post to spread the word.
💊 Tell your vet, doctor, or pharmacist about our mission!

Together, we can save lives—one pill, vial, or tube of ointment at a time. 🙏

Our friends at ACT Dog Rescue have put a recent call out for meds as they have daily rescues to contend with as well as assisting with rehab - the more meds we can collect, the more money they can save.

Photo courtesy of ACT Dog Rescue

03/12/2024

More MatesGift Magic! 💚🐾

We’ve added some fresh snaps to the album, and they’re looking AMAZING! Our community is full of legends showing their support in MatesGift style. 🐾

Check them out and don’t forget to share your own pics—tag us or drop them in the comments to join the fun! Let’s keep spreading the love and making a difference together. 💚🐾

03/12/2024

MatesGift in Action! 💚

We love seeing our amazing supporters rocking their MatesGift tees and hoodies! This album is a celebration of the incredible community that helps make a difference for animals in need. 🐾

Got your MatesGift gear on? Snap a pic and share the love! Whether you’re out and about, hanging at home, or on an adventure, we’d love to see YOU making a difference in style.

Post your photos in the comments below or tag us using and we’ll add them to this album. Your support keeps tails wagging and bellies full, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

Let’s show the world what it means to be part of the MatesGift movement. 💕

Chris showing off his Mate's Gift hoodie during a donation collection from Animal Rescue Cooperative for Reaching Out In The Inner West Of Melbourne

01/12/2024

Meet Pete's Mission Animal Rescue

We’re thrilled to introduce Pete’s Mission, an incredible animal rescue organization making a huge impact.

Ryan, the amazing founder of Pete’s Mission and a proud Queenslander, joins us in extending heartfelt gratitude to the Mate's Gift and Hairy Hounds Playground communities. Your generosity after our August event helped provide vital support to their work.

Pete’s Mission is more than a rescue—it’s a lifeline. They collaborate closely with local communities to deliver rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs. As the only animal welfare organization in their area, their work is truly transformative, and we’ve been lucky enough to witness it first hand.

Check out their socials let’s all take a moment to send our best wishes to Pete’s Mission this holiday season. May their Christmas be filled with joy, their fundraising efforts be successful, and their team and community stay safe and well. Together, we can help make a difference and support the incredible work they’re doing.