$15K raised from inaugural dog walking challenge

MORE than 170 supporters raised over $15,000 for Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) as part of the inaugural The Great Dog Walk Challenge.

All money raised through the challenge will go directly into covering expenses for dogs currently being cared for by GAWS including food, veterinary care, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, de-sexing.

GAWS CEO Helen Cocks said the initiative was a great way to get out into the fresh air and help raise money for a common cause and said she is excited to continue the challenge in years to come.

“It was great to see so many people register and pledge to walk and raise money during April,” Ms Cocks said.

“We have thousands of animals in our care each year. Last year, almost a third of those admitted were dogs.

“It costs the Geelong Animal Welfare Society $55 a day on average to provide care to just one dog, with many dogs costing much more while waiting for their forever home.

“We are very grateful for everyone who contributed, and we are blown away by the support. Any donation is appreciated, but the fact the local community helped us reach our target is truly heart-warming.”

The challenge invited dog owners to walk any amount of distance with their pooch for the entire month of April while encouraging people in their social network to donate to a donations page.

Challenge participants could also join their virtual local team with any funds raised added to their local area. The locality of Bellarine came out on top with a collective amount of $600.

The injection of funds raised from the challenge will also assist GAWS, a not-for-profit organisation, in partially bouncing back from a difficult two-year period hindered severely by COVID-19.

“COVID has had a huge impact on income for GAWS, however, the work didn’t stop, and we still had hundreds of dogs who required care,” Ms Cocks said.

“We rely on the generous donations and fundraising from our community, so every contribution through The Great Dog Walk Challenge, no matter how big or small, has made a huge difference.”

Moving forward GAWS will continue to promote its foster program, attracting volunteers, wet food donations and financial assistance given it does not receive any government funding.

Visit <b>www.gaws.org.au </b>for more information on how to become a foster carer or simply to donate.