2012 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause launches May 1st

May 1, 2012. For immediate release.

Helping animals is as easy as a walk in the park!

The BC SPCA is inviting animal lovers to start registering today for the annual Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk, being hosted in 35 communities across the province on Sept 9 (date may vary in some communities, check spca.bc.ca/walk for details). This year the BC SPCA hopes to raise $1 million for animals in need.

“The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk is a fun way to get involved and make a huge impact in the lives of animals in need,” says Farrah Rooney, manager of fundraising events at the BC SPCA. “As the BC SPCA’s biggest fundraising event of the year, The Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause supports life-saving work in branches across the province throughout the year.”
There are some advantages to registering early for Paws for a Cause, including a 50 per cent discount for those who sign-up within the month of May. In addition, the top fundraiser this month wins two roundtrip flights from Vancouver to Victoria, courtesy of Harbour Air, and a one-night hotel stay.

“By signing up and collecting pledges, you’re not just helping thousands of injured, homeless and abused animals across the province,” says Rooney. “You’ll also enjoy an amazing day with activities for the whole family to enjoy, and you’ll eligible for fabulous local and province-wide prizes.”

Those interested in getting involved in The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause are encouraged to join as an individual, as a group, or as a corporate team. The BC SPCA has set up a comprehensive website at spca.bc.ca/walk to help get you started, with sponsorship opportunities, fundraising ideas, pledge kits, posters, merchandise and ways to volunteer.

Event dates may vary in some communities, so visit spca.bc.ca/walk for local walk details.

Thank you to our provincial sponsors: Scotiabank, Bosley’s Pet Food Plus, See Ya Later Ranch winery, Coast Hotels & Resorts, Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, PwC, Global TV, 99.3 The Fox, CKNW AM980, 24 Hours Vancouver and TVW.

Photo caption: Start line at the 2011 Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause flagship event in Vancouver

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For more information:

Farrah Rooney, manager, BC SPCA fundraising events, 604-709-4652

Lorie Chortyk, general manager, community relations, 604-647-1316

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.