Community & Business
19 February, 2021
Non-event happening for animals.
The Friends of the Animals Inc. trading as the Mareeba Animal Refuge have launched a much-needed fundraising venture with a twist with their End of Summer Gala.
The Friends of the Animals Inc. trading as Mareeba Animal Refuge have launched a much-needed fundraising venture with a twist with their End of Summer Gala.
The refuge is hoping to catch the public’s imagination with the quirky idea of holding a ‘non-event’ to celebrate the end of summer and raise much needed funds for the refuge.
The refuge is asking residents to work out how much they would normally spend to attend a formal function and instead of paying for tickets, buying an outfit, food, beverages, raffles and so on, and having to dress up and go out, supporters can save themselves all that trouble and expense, stay at home and simply donate directly to the refuge.
A commemorative ticket will be made available in appreciation of donations over $5.
Committee member Andreas Jodner said that it would be the ultimate COVID safe event.
“There is no need for hand sanitiser, to check in or even social distancing, because supporters are not going anywhere,” he said.
“Being an at home event they can do whatever they like, whether that be a formal dress up night, a girl’s night in or just watching a movie it’s totally up to the individual and we hope that they pass the hat around.
“We are hoping people will take photos of their home event and post it on our Facebook page.”
To make the event even more quirky the refuge team have set the non-event date to take place on February 29, which, isn’t in this year’s calendar. The committee are hoping that people will celebrate at home on a day either side of the 29th.
Last year the refuge helped 184 cats and 177 dogs get adopted into their new fur-ever homes and like many charities, COVID impacted on last year’s fundraising events.
Mr Jodner said the refuge struggles to meet on-going costs with almost $4000 a month going to vet bills alone.
“When someone pays $300 for a dog, that covers flea, tick and worm treatment, microchipping, vaccinations and desexing." he said.
“Vet fees are our biggest cost, and then there’s also food for the dogs and cats.
“Since the beginning of 2021 we are once again filled with cats and dogs waiting for their fur-ever homes."
For more information go to the Refuge Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MareebaAnimalRefuge
