BC SPCA’s annual Paws for a Cause walk may still be a month away but organizers have already begun digging into preparations for the society’s biggest and most important fundraiser. In fact, it’s the largest single event supporting animals in BC.
Organizer Brandy Craig said the event is a major source of funding for Powell River SPCA as well. “All of the money stays local,” she said, explaining that proceeds from the walk will remain in Powell River. The event, sponsored across BC by Scotiabank and locally by Paws and Claws Pet Supply and Grooming, will take place on Sunday, September 9 at Willingdon Beach. Thirty-three other cities across the province will hold their own version of Paws for a Cause on the same day, raising over $1 million collectively to help British Columbia’s most vulnerable animals.
Craig has a host of things planned for event day, including entertainment and activities like face painting, a Doggie’s Got Talent contest, bobbing for wieners, Pooper Scooper races, a silent auction and pet pictures. There will also be nail clipping by donation available for pets in attendance and a barbecue in the park for their human companions. For obvious reasons, those two things are not connected. That, of course, would be “claws” for concern.
Registration for the walk opened last week and pledge forms are available at Westview Veterinary Hospital, Powell River Veterinary Hospital, Salty Paw Grooming Studio and Paws and Claws. Sign-up is free and participants are encouraged to enter as individuals or put a team together and collect pledges in advance.
Those who participate are eligible for a host of local and province-wide prizes and even more prizes are available for top fundraisers. For many, the fundraising has already begun. West Coast Renegade Girls and Rebel S.C.U.M. Bicycles hosted a car wash on Saturday, August 4, and Powell River SPCA will have a presence at several upcoming summer events including the Open Air Market during the last two weekends in August.
As for the main event this coming September, Craig said that last-minute participants are welcome and dogs with a leash are more than encouraged. The walk itself will begin at 1 pm with activities starting at noon. “We usually get between 100 and 150 people,” she said, inviting the public to “come on out. It’s going to be a fun day in support of the local SPCA.”
For more news and information on Paws for a Cause or to register for the event, interested readers can check online or call Powell River SPCA at 604.483.3506.
