On Sunday, May 28, Reddall Reserve at Lake Illawarra will come alive with the sound of the RSPCA Million Paws Walk.
After two years of pandemic restrictions and one wet weather cancellation, hundreds of pups and people are expected to attend the fundraiser.
Since 1996, dog owners who participate in the walk have raised money for RSPCA services, funding the growth and maintenance of animal shelters, supporting community outreach programs and helping to put an end to animal cruelty and neglect.
RSPCA Illawarra's branch president, Ann Dewson – who has been with the branch for more than four decades – says three years without the Million Paws Walk fundraiser has been taxing for the Illawarra Shelter in Unanderra.
“It's our biggest fundraiser, so it was financially devastating for us,” Ann said.
“It's all about raising funds, which we put into our local shelter, and they can be utilised in many ways.
“The Million Paws Walkers have paid for a horse float for our inspectors and other equipment that's very well-needed in the past … quite often we will purchase things that they just financially cannot do, so it might be extra things like real lovely equipment for the exercise areas, just anything that they may need that they cannot get.”
As well as the morning’s 1.5km walk around the Lake Illawarra foreshore, Ann says there’ll be plenty of entertainment (for both human and dogkind), food and drinks, and pet products on sale throughout the day.
“We start the walk early in the morning and then we have an auction [that] includes vet vouchers and we have a lot of other things this year… like dog kennels and various other things,” she said.
“We'll have Jim's Mobile Dog Wash – we've got four dog washers – they’re donating 50 per cent of their proceeds to the RSPCA.
“We also have doggy games, and we have fancy dress.”
Whilst the walk is the event's top attraction, the fancy dress competition runs a close second.
“We have… three categories; we've got owner/dog look-a-like – and people go to so much bother dressing themselves and their dog up alike for various things – that's where you let your imagination run wild, and then we've got cheap and cheerful, which is homemade, and [best overall],” Ann said.
“People go to so much bother and they absolutely love it.”
In previous years, more than 900 people have turned out for the walk. Ann is hoping – if the weather cooperates – to match those figures on Sunday and raise $20,000.
“It's a lovely family day that includes your pets,” she said.
“It is the perfect place… it's got a beautiful backdrop along the lake, there's so much parking there, and it's just a lovely venue.
“It’s a beautiful atmosphere of people that love their animals – they're all enjoying themselves.
“We’ve had supporters that have come for years and years… [and] we'd love to see new faces on the day.”
To sign up for the Million Paws Walk at Reddall Reserve, visit the website
