J2J gives PAA a paw up

This year’s Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run will raise money for a charity which has been giving animals a second chance at life for 50 years.

Peninsula Animal Aid has been named the event’s charity partner for 2021 and the volunteers who provide care, rehabilitation and the chance of a forever home for stray, surrendered or abandoned dogs and cats could not be happier.

President Anne Denton says the organisation, which celebrates its fifth decade this year, is very grateful for the opportunity.

Jetty 2 Jetty organisers – Moreton Bay Road Runners and Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism - will donate a portion from each registration to PAA and runners will also have the opportunity to donate, when they register.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to hear a little more about our shelter,” Ms Denton says.

“Even of more value, are the funds that will assist in caring for the cats and dogs that will stay at PAA until they find their forever homes.

“We help many hundreds of animals each year, either through taking in stray or surrendered animals, whose owners, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to continue to care for their pets. PAA also helps reunite many stray animals with their owners.”

Support is vital

The organisation receives no formal funding, but is grateful to the local community for their donations, sponsorship of its pens, support of its calendars and events, and of its hydro bath.

“We are a no-kill shelter, run entirely by volunteers,” Ms Denton says.

“We have 110 volunteers and we are very grateful to them, without whom we would not be able to function.”

Moreton Bay Road Runners committee member Andy Almond says the club has always supported local charities and tries to give back to them and small businesses.

“Many of our members have rescue animals as pets, so choosing Peninsula Animal Aid as this year’s charity partner was an easy step as they are both local and providing much-needed support in the local community,” Mr Almond says.

“Every dollar raised helps our charity partners to help the community and continue to provide their services. As a not-for-profit charity, funding stability is always an issue so having an opportunity to support Peninsula Animal Aid and their volunteers in caring for stray, surrendered and abandoned cats and dogs was an easy choice to make.

“Any donation we can make will help with vet fees and the care of the animals, including feeding, desexing, microchipping and other treatments.”

Big target

It’s a sentiment echoed by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism Chairman Shane Newcombe who hopes to raise about $10,000 for the charity.

“Not only will we be raising much-needed funds, we’ll also be raising awareness of the important work volunteers at PAA do. They have saved the lives of countless dogs and cats and brought joy to the lives of those who have adopted them,” Mr Newcombe says.

“Our community is richer for it.”

Ms Denton says there is plenty members of the community can do to support the organisation in the meantime.

Many people donate money and products to help the group care for cats and dogs. A list of items needed is on the website.

“Prior to COVID-19, the amount of donations we received helped us greatly. Sadly, but understandably, this has reduced since the onset of COVID-19,” she says.

“Some people also support PAA in other ways. This may be by making a bequest in their will for funds to be given to PAA, sponsor a pen, or support the hydro bath. Some run a private fundraiser with the proceeds donated to PAA.

“COVID-19 has had a severe effect on PAA’s income, while our expenses remain high. Our vet fees are approximately $12,000 a month, even with the generous discounts given by local vets.”

To find out more, visit peninsulaanimalaid.com.au

To register for the Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run, visit j2j.com.au

EVENT DETAILS

What: Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run – Sesame Lane 3km, 5km, GKS Law 10km, GKS Law 10km wheelchair, Redcliffe Markets half marathon.

When: July 18, 5.30-10am

Where: Pelican Park, Clontarf

Sponsors: rebel, GKS Law, Sesame Lane, Redcliffe Markets, Grand Prix Mazda Caboolture

Visit: j2j.com.au