Orangeville SPCA kicks off Sweat for Pets campaign

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ontario SPCA Orangeville Animal Centre has kicked off the second annual Sweat for Pets virtual fundraiser. 

The five-week fundraiser, which started on May 25, looks to inspire community members of all ages to get active by participating in weekly physical challenges while also raising funds to support vulnerable animals. 

“By participating in Sweat for Pets, you're not only raising critical funds to give animals a second chance, but you're also doing something good for yourself by getting active and setting personal goals,” says Dawn Lyons, Centre Manager Orangeville Animal Centre. “No matter how you decide to Sweat for Pets, it will have a big impact for vulnerable animals.”

Participants can take part in the 10 weekly challenges from the SPCA such as walking, running and swimming, or they can create their own unique challenge. 

The Sweat for Pets fundraiser was started last year by Ontario SPCA and humane societies as a way to raise donations while under COVID-19 restrictions. The Ontario SPCA Orangeville Animal Centre for this year has a fundraising goal of $3,500. 

Donations can be raised by asking family, friends, and neighbours to pledge their support. 

While the campaign gives inspiration to the community to be active, funds raised during Sweat for Pets go towards giving animals in need a second chance. Funds raised through the campaign stay locally and go to SPCA services including sheltering, adoptions, humane education, reducing pet overpopulation, emergency rescue, emergency treatment, and spaying/neutering. 

“The money raised from Sweat for Pets will go to spay and neuter services here locally in Orangeville, medical care to animals in need, and vaccines,” said Lyons. “So all types of medical care for animals that are in our care.” 

Are you up for the challenge? Visit www.sweatforpets.ca to register, donate and change the lives of animals in need across Ontario.