Lace up your sneakers and grab your dog’s leash.
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society Friends for Life Walkathon is only a month away. The once-a-year event, taking place Sept. 22 at Blue Mountain Village, brings people and their canine friends together to raise money for animals still looking for their forever home.
Anna Agresta, fundraising co-ordinator with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society said attendees of the family-friendly three-kilometre walk can expect face painting, a costume contest for the dogs and a best-trick competition.
“It’s a fun, outdoor event,” she said.
Last year, the walk raised $55,000. This year, Agresta said the goal is up to $74,000.
While Agresta said the local shelter does manage to pull in some grant funding to supplement fundraising, it isn’t enough.
“The money goes toward all of our operations, because we’re not government funded,” said Agresta. “It can be for anything from animal food to heating.”
“Without events like the walkathon, we couldn’t do what we do,” she added.
New this year, the Blue Mountain Medium will be present for the festivities.
Beverly Frosch advertises services as a medium in Blue Mountain and Collingwood, as well as performing readings online. She says she can communicate with humans and pets.
Registrations are now open. There’s a $30 registration fee, and walkers can collect pledges and keep track on the website.
“They can send a pledge email out to their friends and family asking them to support their walk,” said Agresta.
“Even if you don’t have a dog, come on out for a walk,” she added.
For more information or to register as a walker, click here.
