On the 18th October 1988 Bob and Maree Doneley opened the doors of the West Toowoomba Vet Surgery for the first time. It was Australia's Bicentenial Year, and we still have our first appointment book! Since then a lot of things have happened, with huge changes in the Surgery, its surrounds and the services we offer. But we have achieved a lot of milestones: the first specialist bird practice in Queensland; the first practice in Queensland to cater for exotic pets; three times voted ‘Toowoomba’s Best Veterinary Practice’ by telephone poll (Radio CFM); the 2006 Corporate Citizen Award by the Toowoomba City Council; and now, the longest established practice in Toowoomba – the same location with the same owner for 20 years!
We celebrated our 20th Birthday by holding an Open Day on Sunday, 19th October at the Surgery. Activities on the day included guided tours of the Surgery and outdoor displays (including the Parrot Society of Australia, the Darling Downs Zoo, Pets at Peace, Petite Caniche Grooming Parlour and the Toowoomba Regional Council Animal Management Centre). Over 300 people visited the Surgery during the day!
Many of you will be aware of our daughter's successful battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma three years ago. You may not be aware that one of the 'carrots' she was offered when she was in hospital was the offer of a holiday provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Liz would daydream while on her chemo of the trips she would ask for. Last year, all those dreams came through with a week long holiday in Hawaii for all of us. This was a much needed break for us all from the stress and worry of illness and treatment - and we are much indebted to the Foundation for that chance to put those years behind us.
And so a second reason for holding our Open Day was to raise some much-needed funds for the Toowoomba branch of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. We ran all sorts of events during our Open Day, including:
A sausage sizzle
Raffles
A Cent Sale
Hydrobathing
Have your photo taken with a Zoo Animal
Many businesses in Toowoomba donated prizes and supplies for these events. ALL funds raised on the day were given to the Make-a-Wish Foundation - a total of $1,230!
So, on all levels, our Open Day was a huge success. Have a look at these photos....
West Toowoomba Vet Surgery 194 West Street Toowoomba, QLD 4350 (07) 46362027
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