Animal lovers uniting to 'Walk for Pets' in Collingwood
Animal lovers will unite alongside their furry friends for a cause very close to their hearts later this month.
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) is preparing for its 11th annual Walk for Pets. The fundraiser brings in about 10 per cent of the organization's yearly fundraising targets and is a critical way to spread awareness in the community.
"This team really knows how to put the fun in fundraising," said Mel Pockaj, the senior philanthropy manager for GTHS. "People really enjoy coming out and being part of a community. I think that our pets get FOMO if they aren't joining us too!"
The goal this year is $120,000. Funds raised will go towards supporting day-to-day operations at GTHS as well as its fully accredited animal hospital.
Every year the organization performs over 2500 spay and neuter surgeries. This work wouldn't be possible without the community's support through fundraisers like the Walk for Pets, says Pockaj.
"I think even those that haven't interacted with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, they really see in the big picture the work that we're doing to keep our communities healthy and safe and to serve the people and pets that they consider their neighbours," said Pockaj.
This year's walk comes at a time when rising living costs have meant the services at GTHS are needed now more than ever.
"Certainly, the demand for our services is growing by the day both because of the increase in population in our communities, our growing communities mean a growing number of pets, and also our communities are facing increased financial challenges," said Pockaj. "We see a shortage of access to affordable vet care."
Anyone wanting to donate to GTHS can do so online, where there is also a wish list of the most needed items.
The event kicks off on June. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Collingwood Brewery. Leashed pets are welcome as well.
Participants can also register online and do the walk on their own time.
For more information, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.