Dressed-up dogs help raise almost $5,000 for SPCA – The Royal Gazette

Created: Dec 18, 2024 04:27 PM (Updated: Dec 18, 2024 04:27 PM)

Furry friends dress up for the Christmas festivities at Paws to the Park held on the ground of the Botanical Gardens (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

A festive-themed gathering that brought together beloved pets and their humans raising almost $5,000 for an animal charity.

Dogs turned out in creative costumes to support the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at its Paws to the Park event.

The SPCA said today that it was “thrilled to share the incredible success” of the fundraiser, which brought in $4,876 to support the charity’s mission.

It added: “Your enthusiastic participation and generous contributions have truly warmed our hearts this season.

“A special heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful sponsors — BGA, Endsmeet Animal Hospital and Brew — for their unwavering support.

“We also extend our deep gratitude to the Botanical Gardens for providing such a picturesque venue that made this event even more special.”

Paws to the Park: April Augustus, SPCA executive director, centre, with SPCA volunteer David Augustus and SPCA staff member Kiana Madeiros, both wearing blue, and Lindsay Watson, SPCA shelter chairwoman, crouching far left with Tanner, who is up for adoption. Also pictured are Olatunji Tucker of BGA, standing far right, and members of the BGA team (Photograph courtesy of the SPCA)

The charity said: “This fundraiser would not have been possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers, hard-working staff and every single one of you who came out to support us.

“Your kindness helps us provide shelter, medical care and second chances to so many animals in need.

“Thank you for making Paws to the Park a day to remember, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.”

April Augustus, the charity’s executive director, said earlier that the annual gathering was the group’s flagship cash appeal and drew the most attention.

It featured several pop-up tents in the equestrian arena of Botanical Gardens where free treats were offered for pups as well as breakfasts for their owners.