GAWS appeals for help this Christmas

THE Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has launched its 2024 Christmas Appeal, calling for financial donations to support the organisation to deliver its important work and contributions to its new wishlist to help the animals in its care.

Last year, 3,383 animals came into the society’s care, including 1,943 cats and 1,263 dogs.

GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said covering the essentials cost GAWS an average of $65 a day per animal, and hoped the community could support the not-for-profit organisation.

“We are encouraging local businesses, community members and animal lovers to sprinkle joy into the lives of shelter animals and donate to the GAWS 2024 Christmas Appeal, with our aim of raising $30,000.

“GAWS could have more than 300 animals in care on Christmas Day, each needing vital support such as food, shelter and medical care.”

This year, in addition to general financial donations and eCards, GAWS has introduced a Christmas wishlist as part of its appeal; a crowdfunding initiative enabling people to choose a specific item their money will support.

“We are thrilled to provide people a special opportunity to make wishes come true for the animals at GAWS,” Ms Cocks said.

“By donating towards an item from our Christmas wishlist, you will help us acquire essential items that will directly benefit the animals.

“Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us closer to purchasing each item.”

The wishlist comprises six items ranging from $50 anti-anxiety cat beds to $19,500 surgical lights.

“Last year our vet clinic conducted 7,240 consultations and thousands of procedures,” Ms Cocks said.

“We hope to acquire the funds to purchase a new surgical table and lighting system so our vet team can perform more intricate surgeries and increase the number of surgeries on large dogs.”

Foster Care Starter Packs at $80 each – which include food, bowls, litter trays, bedding and toys to help vulnerable animals and their volunteer foster carers get set up for their stay – are also on the wishlist.

“Last year, we had 1,497 foster care admissions. These are animals who need extra care and support in a home environment, and we need to send them off with all the essentials so they can thrive,” Ms Cocks said.

The GAWS Christmas Appeal also includes eCards and general donations.

“We are offering our Christmas eCards as another way to support our cause while spreading joy to a loved one. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for that person who has everything, is hard to buy for or is an animal lover,” Ms Cocks said.

“You just choose an amount to donate, select one of our four eCard designs, add a message and we’ll email it to your loved one.

“We also accept general donations for those who want to support GAWS and our vital work.”

The GAWS 2025 Graduates Calendar is available to purchase for $20 and makes a great stocking filler

For more information or to donate to the GAWS 2024 Christmas Appeal, head to gaws.org.au/christmas-appeal-2024