Community has always been at the heart of local energy provider LPE, so when Compass approached them earlier this year to fund an assistance dog, they did not hesitate to get behind the program.
Despite a year that could be described as nothing short of turbulent, that saw LPE exit the retail market, choosing to refocus on its foundations of strata and solar, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to making a positive difference in the community and have sponsored "Elpie" an assistance dog that will change the life of a young child
LPE CEO, Damien Glanville, knows what it's like to struggle as a young person and the important role community can play in changing the trajectory of a young life.
"Without the support of the people who helped me navigate life as a troubled teenager, I wouldn't be where I am today," Mr Glanville said.
"The help I received from people, who didn't even know me, changed my life forever which is why giving back and making a difference is something that is so important to me and its why it's one of the values that LPE is built on.
"These kids have a lifelong disability, and we have the means to be able to have a positive impact on that, which is why funding one of these dogs is important to us."
According to Compass CEO, David Dangerfield, early intervention is critical in assisting children with a disability to reach their full potential, and these dogs are playing a vital role in helping children as young as six to live a better life.
"These dogs literally change a child's life and the difference they make can be almost instantaneous. The dogs provide comfort, ease anxiety and help to break down barriers for the children who are fortunate enough to receive one.
"However, it is not an inexpensive exercise as it costs around $30,000 to source and train these dogs and they need to go through two years of training, which is why our corporate sponsors like LPE are so important to us.
"Thanks to LPE, we have two years of funding that has allowed us to source "Elpie", get her trained and ensure all her medical bills and vets checks are taken care of as she gets ready to fulfil her mission in life to support a child in need," Mr Dangerfield said.
In a revolutionary shift for the sector, Compass does not require a family to fundraise to meet the cost of the dog. The naming rights for the dogs are sold to businesses meaning that the dog can be gifted to the child.
About LPE
Locality Planning Energy (ASX: LPE) became an authorised electricity retailer in 2014 and was listed on the ASX in January 2016. LPE is a fast-growing electricity provider challenging the way customers receive their electricity; going beyond being just a traditional supplier, we are leaders in innovation supporting strata communities to think of tomorrow.
With first-to-market technology, LPE has delivered shared solar for apartment living and carbon-neutral centralised hot water systems, LPE services Queensland and New South Wales, selling electricity, hot water, and solar PV Systems to strata communities
