KHS launching month long Big Paws – Across Canada event
When the Kingston Humane Society (KHS) was faced with cancelling Big Paws 2020, their largest in-person fundraiser of the year, they made the decision to launch a virtual event instead.
The annual dog-walking fundraiser, which normally draws hundreds of pets and their owners to Lake Ontario Park, will be replaced by a virtual, month long, walk across Canada, the KHS said in a statement.
From Tuesday, Sept. 15 to Thursday, Oct. 15, registered walkers will track their distance walked in an effort to accumulate 6,818 kilometres – the equivalent of walking from the West Coast of Canada to the East Coast.
“When we first considered cancelling Big Paws it was heartbreaking,” said Executive Director, Gord Hunter. “But when we came up with Big Paws – Across Canada, the possibility to expand our reach to so many more people has really pumped up our whole team. Heartbreak has been replaced by excitement and expectation.”
Pet owners and non-pet owners alike will be able to register on the KHS website www.kingstonhumanesociety.ca/bpc2020 and track kilometers walked with the ultimate goal of walking across Canada.
It’s been forcasted that the KHS will lose nearly $100,000 in event-based donations because of cancellations and postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, Big Paws has raised well over $20,000 in much-needed donations, according to the KHS. That money is vital to the care and treatment of abused, neglected or abandoned animals in Kingston and the surrounding community.
The goal for Big Paws – Across Canada will be $30,000.
About the Kingston Humane Society
The KHS is committed to advocating for and improving the lives of animals within our community. Founded in 1884, the KHS provides shelter and care for homeless animals in Kingston and surrounding communities. They promote responsible pet ownership and compassion, and respect for all animals. In addition, they work in and with our community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray or homeless.
Visit their website for more information: https://kingstonhumanesociety.ca/