The BC SPCA speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves and now the society wants to hear from you.
Registration and donations are currently being accepted for the Sept. 7 annual Scotiabank Paws for a Cause Walk, the largest fundraiser of the year for the Penticton-based South Okanagan Similkameen branch.
“You can actually apply online now to be a participant and you can get your pledges in and challenge family and friends and that can be a lot of fun to do,” said branch manager Corrine Ross, who is organizing her first event locally. “And then the rest of the money is raised on the day of the walk. Right now we’re sitting at 14 per cent on the barometer of our $29,000 goal. Hopefully we’ll get to that and exceed it and I’m sure we will, especially if people go online and we start getting pledges now.”
Registration on the day of the event begins at 10:30 a.m. at Gyro Park and the walk begins at noon.
“This is the largest single event to help fight animal cruelty in British Columbia,” said Krista Constantineau, manager of fundraising events at the BC SPCA. “We are overwhelmed by the amazing participation each year. Our supporters not only raise essential funds, the events are so much fun for two-legged and four-legged participants.”
Ross pointed out that even people who don’t own a dog can help the cause on that day.
“If you’re a horse lover or a cat lover you can still raise some money you don’t even have to come and walk,” she said. “There is also more than just the walk, there are a lot of different, fun events and activities, we’re hoping the Penticton Fire Department will be there and the RCMP dog demo as well.”
There will also be plenty of kids’ activities, food and entertainment.
The branch manager added all the money raised here stays here and is critical to help pay for general operations including staff and medical bills.
“Without this support we do not receive any government funding. We simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do everyday,” said Ross. “We’re also trying to raise some money to buy some beds for the dogs to keep them off the ground a little bit. We’re always trying to improve the lives of those who live here.”
There will be prizes for the top earners of the day. Another popular fundraiser for the SPCA is coming up later this month when See Ya Later Ranch holds its annual Dog Days of Summer event, Aug. 30, from noon to 4 p.m.
There will be wine tastings, barbecue, doors prizes, a doggie fashion show, vendors and more.
The winery is located at 2575 Green Lake Rd. in Okanagan Falls.