BRATTLEBORO — Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) will hold its 20th annual Walk for Animals at the Brattleboro Common on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., participants and their canine companions will walk a 1.5-mile loop through downtown Brattleboro before returning to the Common for treats (human and pet), games, and prizes. (Social, well-behaved dogs who will enjoy the crowd are welcome to walk. All dogs must be on a leash, no flexi-leads please).
The event raises critical operating funds by asking neighbors and animal-loving friends to ask their friends, family, and neighbors for a small donation. A pledge sheet can be downloaded at windhamcountyhumane.org, or people can also donate directly there.
“If one hundred people asked five people to give $10 that's $5,000,” said WCHS executive director Maya Richmond in a news release. “$5,000 pays for hundreds of pounds of pet food needed to feed so many hungry shelter animals.”
“Today, 'fetching funds' has never been easier,” said Richmond. “By setting up a Facebook fundraiser with the funds going to the Humane Society, many people are able to reach more donors.”
With expenses running higher than ever, donations down, and more local dogs and cats coming through the doors of the Humane Society, Richmond said the fundraising goal was set high - this year's goal is $25,000 from 400 participants.
In 2021, WCHS helped 2,000 animals through its Adoption/sheltering and the newer Pet Care Assistance (public veterinary clinic) programs.
“Every dollar raised from the Walk will be used in the next few months to buy pet food, medications, vaccinations, and kennel cleaning supplies,” states Keri Roberts, director of operations. “I love the Walk fundraiser because I get to see many of the dogs adopted from the Humane Society, as well as meet and thank our supporters.”
The top three fundraisers win prizes. While supplies last, all registrants raising or donating over $55 will receive WCHS's 2022 commemorative designer t-shirt.
Can't attend the walk? Donate at windhamcountyhumane.org/donate or mail a check to WCHS, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302