January 4th 2025.
When Robert Fletcher first met Hephner the alpaca almost a decade ago, he immediately knew there was something special about him. They were introduced by a breeder, and Fletcher was searching for a male alpaca to balance out his mostly female herd at his farm in Goulburn. Little did he know that this unlikely bond would lead to philanthropic endeavors across Australia.
Fletcher believes that Hephner's temperament is what sets him apart. He describes him as "totally unflappable." For the past nine years, Hephner has been visiting nursing homes with Fletcher, bringing comfort to patients in palliative care. Recently, they have been attending Clare Holland House together, and their visits have been a source of joy for many.
Taking Hephner with him on these visits also allows Fletcher to engage with people and share his passion for helping others. He says that just by walking Hephner down the main street, he is able to tell people why he does what he does. Their activities have expanded beyond nursing homes, with requests for visits from schools and other organizations.
Hephner has also become quite the celebrity, making appearances on TV shows like Bondi Rescue and touring pubs in NSW and Queensland. But his fame is not just for show; Hephner has also been involved in fundraising activities to support mental health. One of his most recent efforts was a tour of Tasmania to raise money for Dolly's Dream, a charity dedicated to helping young people affected by bullying.
Fletcher and Hephner have also had the opportunity to meet some notable Australian figures, including Jimmy Barnes, John Waters, and politicians Jacqui Lambie and Christopher Pyne. And every year, when the Sydney Royal Easter Show rolls around, Hephner's fans flood him with messages, hoping for a chance to see him in person.
One of the most memorable moments for Hephner was when he met King Charles during his royal tour of Australia. As the King walked through Circular Quay, Hephner let out a sneeze, capturing the hearts of the nation. Fletcher had originally planned to take a photo of Hephner looking at the King from behind, but they ended up getting much closer than expected. Despite initial doubts from officials, Hephner's calm demeanor convinced them to let them in, and the rest is history.
As the festive season approaches, Fletcher and Hephner's schedule has not slowed down. They continue to make appearances at nursing homes and schools, spreading joy to those who need it most. They are also hosting their annual Christmas photos at Fletcher's farm, Fletchers Ark, in Goulburn.
Fletcher reflects on all the adventures he and Hephner have been on together, from weddings at the Opera House to birthday parties in Sydney. He acknowledges that Hephner's behavior may vary depending on who he is with, but spending enough time with any animal will inevitably create a bond.
In addition to their philanthropy, Fletcher and Hephner have also become a part of the 9News family. The news app allows fans to stay updated on all the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather, and receive notifications straight to their smartphones. It's just another way that Hephner continues to make an impact, both on and off the screen.
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