Lace up your sneakers and mark your calendars for the ultimate day of outdoor fun at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society’s (GTHS) twelfth annual Walk for Pets event, taking place on Saturday, June 15th at the stunning Harbourview Park in Collingwood, Ontario.
Walk for Pets is the largest fundraiser of the year for the GTHS and aims to raise $129,000 for the organization. The funds raised at this year’s event are more important than ever, with demands for GTHS programs and services 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% increase in lost dogs arriving into our care and a 25% 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 fantastic routes: a timed 5K fun run or a leisurely 2.5K 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!
This year’s event also welcomes the support from Paws 4 Cause, in honour of Caron Shepley, a life-long animal lover who dedicated her life to raising money to support animal causes before her untimely passing in September of last year. “We are so thrilled that Paws 4 Cause has joined us to help make this the most successful Walk for Pets in GTHS history,” says Lisa Stucke, annual fund manager for the GTHS. “We cannot wait to welcome the Paws 4 Cause network of animal advocates and running enthusiasts to Collingwood to take part in what is shaping up to be a fantastic event.”
“As an Olympic coach, Caron and I spent many training days in Collingwood and the Georgian Triangle and loved the area and the people,” says Barrie Shepley, chief executive officer of Paws 4 Cause and husband of the late Caron Shepley. “When the opportunity came to partner with the GTHS to raise money for local animal programs it was a no brainer. My dogs Chaser and Lily, and myself, will be out in full force to help raise funds for animals in need in honour of my wife Caron. We hope you will join us!”
Walk for Pets is a great team builder, networking opportunity and a chance to show the community that you believe in animal welfare and the human-animal bond. 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
- GTHS Lifelong Learning Programs, that have impacted more than 4,000 youth through after school and online programming.
Additional Walk for Pets Event Details:
- Walk for Pets takes place June 15th from 9am-3pm at Harbourview Park. Full event schedule available at gths.ca
- Registration Cost: $40 per person or $70 per family; SWAG bags for all participants.
- Enjoy a cold drink at the Collingwood Brewery Satellite Beer Garden.
- Get ready to groove to the tunes of the Strange Potatoes.
- 5K running and 2.5K walking course organized by the team at VO2 Sports Co.
- Indulge in exciting prizes and giveaways.
- Refuel with a complimentary pizza lunch to keep you energized all day long.
- Take part in face painting, capture memories at our photo booth, and shop for the latest in pet products.
Register today by visiting: gths.ca/walk-for-pets/. If you are interested in leading a team and becoming a team captain, or if you are a community business interested in getting involved, reach out to events@gths.ca for more information.
