GAWS launches Winter Appeal

THE Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) is calling for support as it launches its winter fundraising campaign.

Funds raised from the appeal will go towards providing essential care to animals, providing food, shelter, medical care and enrichment.

“At GAWS, we believe every life is precious and worth every minute and dollar invested in them to prepare them for adoption,” GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said.

“We are hoping our community can support in the way of donation to enable us to continue to provide the best care possible to the hundreds of cats and dogs admitted to our shelter.”

On average it costs the not-for-profit organisation $65 a day to provide care to one animal, with hopes the Winter Appeal will bring in about $60,000.

With the shelter receiving no government funding, income is generated through donations, fundraising and local community support.

Throughout the campaign, GAWS will share heartfelt stories across their social media, website and emails, featuring animals at the shelter who have been lost, abandoned or surrendered through to their journey of healing, care and trust.

Nutmeg is just one animal whose story is being shared, found injured while trying to protect her kittens before undergoing a complex emergency surgery to remove a bullet and treat her for life-threatening injuries.

A second operation was required for the two-year-old domestic short hair and her 106-day stay ended up costing more than $10,600.

Last year’s appeal featured Zoro in the hopes he would find his retirement home, the older gentleman has now spent 584 days in the shelter waiting for a second chance.

People can help GAWS to continue operating by donating and encouraging others to contribute to the Winter Appeal, helping more animals find warmth, love and safety.

For more information and to donate, head to gaws.org.au/winter-appeal-2025