Community rallies behind local shelter

Cr Peter Murrihy begins the walk at Eastern Gardens. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

LOCAL four-legged friends were out in force on Sunday morning for the inaugural PAWS for GAWS Charity Walk.

About 100 dogs and their respective owners and families, gathered at Geelong’s Eastern Park to raise funds and awareness for local animal shelter, Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS).

L-R: Volunteers Sue Black, Steve Bentley, and Jackson Bentley with Harvey (left) and Gertie (right).

GAWS fundraising and marketing coordinator Dr Alexa Hayley said the shelter was extremely pleased with how the inaugural event went.

“We’re very happy with how the community has shown their support for GAWS and their local companion animals.

“They’ve given us a lot today. They’ve made great investments, everyone’s in a great mood, the dogs were all happy, and they were able to get some exercise out of the event and chat to one another about their passion, dogs.”

GAWS CEO Hellen Cocks holding Filbert, alongside president Maria Mercurio and her pup Scout.

Following registrations, participants started the walk aspect of the event, completing a 4km loop along the Geelong Waterfront and back to the original starting point at the Eastern Park barbecue area.

City of Greater Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy officially began proceedings by walking through the official ribbon of the event, while event ambassador and former radio presenter Roxie Bennett was the MC.

“We have two main objectives with this walk,” Dr Hayley said.

“The first was obviously to raise as many funds as we can for the shelter, which is something we are always chasing.

It was all smiles at the first PAWS for GAWS Charity Walk.

“Our other goal was to simply let the community know who we are, letting them interact with us in a nice environment, and letting everyone contribute to the organisation in any way they can.

“We can’t go past the volunteers who were kind enough to help out on the day as well.”