Ontario SPCA Friends For Life! walk-a-thon provides a voice for thousands of animals suffering from neglect, abuse, and abandonment
TORONTO, May 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Over 500 walkers and their four legged friends put their best paw forward to support Ontario SPCA's first annual Toronto Friends for Life! walk-a-thon presented by IAMS. Coronation Park was full of excitement today as families, friends and pets gathered together for a fun filled day in the city to support animals in need.
"It's fantastic to see so many people and their pets come together for the Ontario SPCA and take action against animal cruelty. Animals bring so much joy, laughter and love to our lives. I don't know what I'd do without my Miss Louise. She makes me a better person!" says Tanya Kim, anchor of CTV's eTalk, and the Honorary Chair for the Toronto Friends for Life! walk-a-thon.
The event started this morning with an invigorating warm-up by Shawna and Magnus from Fit and On The Move, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the event. Following the 3 km walk along Martin Goodman Trail, participants enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch, and event festivities including contests for dogs with the longest tail, best howl and smallest and largest dog onsite.
"It's amazing to see Toronto animal lovers unite for such a great cause. I am a proud supporter of the Ontario SPCA, its fight against animal cruelty and its efforts to raise awareness about animal welfare. As a non-profit organization with 92 per cent of its funding for rescue and relief, sheltering, and animal care services coming from donor support and Animal Welfare Services, the funds raised today will go a long way," says Dave Salmoni, animal expert and host and producer of a number of Animal Planet and Discovery Channel programs.
The Friends for Life! walk-a-thon is an Ontario wide walk-a-thon to raise money in support of the Ontario SPCA and its fight against animal cruelty and the promotion of animal welfare. The walks take place in 13 locations around the province each year. The Ontario SPCA is one of the largest, most responsive animal welfare organizations in the country, providing protection, care and shelter for tens of thousands of animals every year.
The Ontario SPCA would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and participants for making this year's walk a great success.
About Ontario SPCA:
Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities, Ontario SPCA relies on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; veterinary services; community outreach; advocacy; and humane education.
Ontario SPCA is mandated under the Ontario SPCA Act to enforce animal welfare legislation and the Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.
Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.
Image with caption: "Ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the first Ontario SPCA Friends for Life! walk-a-thon in Toronto. From left to right: Erin Yorke, Joyce Law, Tanya Kim, Alison Cross, Dave Salmoni, Rob Godfrey. (CNW Group/Ontario SPCA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120526_C3060_PHOTO_EN_14213.jpg
For all media inquiries please contact:
Genevive Savundranayagam, [email protected], 647-986-4363
Alison Cross, [email protected], 905-853-2108
Share this article