Not only was the weather ideal for Saturday's Steps for Pets Walkathon in Morden, but it also drew a record number of registrants.
One of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Pembina Valley Humane Society, the Walkathon drew over 60 individual registrants.
"I can say for sure that this has been a record-breaking year when it comes to registrants for the Steps for Pets Walkathon," said the PVHS's Holly Thorne. "And we've been doing this for a long time, but we've never had this many individual registrants. We had over 60 of them this year, and they all came out in full force. So, when you think about that, our message is clearly getting across."
Thorne says all the funds go towards the animals, ensuring their stay at the shelter is as healthy and as happy as it can be while waiting for their new families.
"A big part of it is making sure that our animals are fed and that our animals have the proper enrichment while they're in our stay," said Thorne. That includes purchasing durable toys that aren't destroyed within 30 seconds, and other basic things. "But it's also things like if an animal comes in needing medical attention, we know that we have those funds to help that animal start a new chapter in their life on the right foot."
Donations and pledges were being accepted until Monday, however, as of Saturday, the Walkathon had brought in $14,000 of the shelter's $15,000 goal.
- With files from Daemon Parent -