Walk for Pets raises critical funds for Humane Society
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society’s (GTHS) 12th annual Walk for Pets event will take place on Saturday, June 15 at Harbourview Park in Collingwood.
Walk for Pets is the largest fundraiser of the year for the GTHS and aims to raise $129,000 to cover the costs for programs and services which are at an all-time high.
“Inflation, veterinary shortages, increasing costs of pet food and housing insecurity are the primary reasons that we are seeing a consistent uptick in our requests for pet support services,” explains Karen Marsh, executive director of the GTHS. “In 2023, we saw a 41.3 per cent increase in lost dogs arriving into our care and a 25 per cent increase in cat intakes. The challenges faced by pets and their families are both compelling and distressing. It is against this backdrop that events like Walk for Pets become lifelines, fostering a collective spirit that raises indispensable funds. These critical resources ensure that we can stand by the side of pets and their owners, offering unwavering support to those in our community who desperately need our helping hands and compassionate hearts.”
This year’s Walk for Pets event will offer two routes: a timed five-kilometre fun run or a leisurely 2.5 km stroll, perfect for walkers and runners alike. And an added bonus – pet-friendly, people-friendly, and leash-friendly pets are more than welcome to join in the fun!
Registration cost is $40 per person or $70 per family, and includes swag bags for all participants, prizes and giveaways.
Enjoy a cold drink at the Collingwood Brewery Satellite Beer Garden and be entertained by the Strange Potatoes. Includes a complimentary pizza lunch, face painting, photo booth, and pet product market.
Register at gths.ca/walk-for-pets.
Participating in Walk for Pets means you will help support GTHS programs and services, including:
• The GTHS Hospital, which is one of the only low-cost spay-neuter hospitals operating in a wide geographic region, performs 3,000 surgeries annually.
• GTHS Access to Care Services, which helps keep 3,000 pets together with their families during emergencies and crisis and out of the shelter system.
• GTHS Adoption Services, which helps find loving homes for 1,300 animals annually.
• GTHS Lifelong Learning Programs, that have impacted more than 4,000 youth through after school and online programming.
