It鈥檚 time to put your best paw forward.聽
Scotiabank and the BC SPCA are teaming up to raise money to fight against animal cruelty. The annual 2014 Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk is just around the corner. On Saturday, Sept. 20, the fundraiser kicks off. Money will go toward helping abused, injured, neglected and homeless animals throughout B.C. This year, participants in 31 communities throughout the province will walk to raise funds for animals in need.
鈥淭his is the largest single event to help fight animal cruelty in British Columbia,鈥� Krista Constantineau, manager of fundraising events at the BC SPCA, stated in a press release.
The Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk to fight animal cruelty in 撸奶社区will be held at Pavilion Park on Cleveland Avenue in downtown. It will run from 11 a.m. with the walk starting at 2 p.m. Proceeds from the walk will benefit animals at the 撸奶社区Valley SPCA. Participants can enjoy a variety of entertainment and fun activities, including dog agility demonstrations, a barbecue, the always fabulous silent auction, local vendors, fun games with great prizes and much more.
The number of animals the 撸奶社区branch helps is on an upward trend. In 2013, the branch housed 311 animals, most of which were cats. On average the local organization deals with more than 70 kittens per year.聽
In May, the SPCA launched a new five-year plan with a primary focus on felines. The SPCA has invested millions in low-cost spay and neuter programs, but more needs to be done, the society鈥檚 chief executive officer Craig Daniell said in a statement.
As the number of residents in the Sea to Sky Corridor increases, so does the number of animals that end up at the 撸奶社区shelter. The region does not have a low-cost spay and neuter program because of a lack of funding, the branch鈥檚 manager Marika Donnelly told the 撸奶社区 earlier this year.聽
Paws for a Cause highlights these issues, while also bringing animal lovers and their furry friends from all walks of life together for a great time, as well as a fantastic cause, Constantineau noted.
聽鈥淲e are overwhelmed by the amazing participation each year 鈥� it鈥檚 so great to see thousands of people come together across the province to help B.C.鈥檚 most vulnerable animals,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur supporters not only raise essential funds, the events are so much fun for two-legged and four-legged participants.鈥�
To register or donate, and to get all the latest news and information, visit spca.bc.ca/walk.
For more information contact Donnelly at the 撸奶社区Valley SPCA at (604) 898-9890.
