Community & Business
6 July, 2023
It’s the race that just keeps giving
A love for animals motivated a team of auxiliary firefighters to run 140km to Chillagoe in May, with their efforts raising over $3000 for the local Mareeba Animal Refuge.
A love for animals motivated a team of auxiliary firefighters to run 140km to Chillagoe in May, with their efforts raising over $3000 for the local Mareeba Animal Refuge.
Running in the 20th annual Great Wheelbarrow Race, the QFES Blazers ran with the animals on their mind, determined to help the local refuge with its $10,000 monthly vet bills.
“We have worked with the refuge before in previous years and there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that doesn’t get seen,” Blazers team captain Jarod Hohns said.
“We thought, we are doing it tough (whilst racing) but there are lots of animals out there that do it a lot tougher and we knew if we could make it over the three days then hopefully it’ll go a long way for the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.”
When Mr Hohns and his team approached Mareeba Animal Refuge manager Jennifer Walsh, she was stunned and honoured to be chosen as the team’s charity.
In a time where vet bills and surrenders continue to put pressure on the non-for-profit, she said the donation will definitely go a long way.
“We are very flattered because there are just so many charities out there that are in desperate need of donations and to be chosen by their team is really heartening,” she said.
“I just admire (QFES Blazers) for what they have done and the sacrifice they made, and we are appreciative.”
