Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has launched its annual Christmas Appeal
The not-for-profit organisation, which provides an animal shelter and veterinary clinic for stray and lost animals, receives no government funding, relying entirely on community support to continue its work.
With 3383 animals passing through GAWS’ care in 2024 at an average cost of $65 a day, GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks said she hoped the community would get behind the organisation during its Christmas Appeal.
“We are encouraging local businesses, community members and animal lovers to sprinkle joy into the lives of shelter animals and donate to the GAWS 2024 Christmas Appeal, with our aim of raising $30,000,” Ms Cocks said.
“GAWS could have more than 300 animals in care on Christmas Day, each needing vital support such as food, shelter and medical care.”
Donations can be put toward specific items on GAWS’ wishlist, which includes everything from surgical hardware to water misters and foster care starter packs.
“Last year our vet clinic conducted 7240 consultations and thousands of procedures,” Ms Cock said.
“We hope to acquire the funds to purchase a new surgical table and lighting system so our vet team can perform more intricate surgeries and increase the number of surgeries on large dogs.
“We are so thankful for our generous donors who will help our canines feel cooler this summer with the water misters, our felines experience freedom with the large outdoor enclosure and our timid cats feel calm in the anti-anxiety beds.”
Visit gaws.org.au/christmas-appeal-2024 to donate or for more information.
