More than 600 signed up so far for RSPCA's inaugural, nationwide Rescue Run
Animal lovers keen to kick off their summer fitness campaigns now have the perfect motivation with today's launch of RSPCA's inaugural, nationwide Rescue Run.
It's happening over two weeks, from Tuesday October 18 up until Monday October 31. To participate you need to sign up online, and then run, walk or roll a total of 56km over the course of those two weeks. Most importantly, you need to let everyone know you're participating in Rescue Run to raise funds for RSPCA's rescue and care of vulnerable animals.
The 56km target reflects the total number of 56,000 reports RSPCA received last year across Australia, alerting the organisation's inspector and rescue teams to animals in danger.
"Here in SA, our rescue officers responded to 1,895 callouts to rescue animals in the last financial year, and our inspectorate responded to 3999 cruelty reports," RSPCA SA spokesperson Carolyn Jones said.
"As a result of our teams' responses, 2,373 animals came into our shelters, and many of them needed immediate and extensive veterinary care and months of rehabilitation….in total, we had 9,419 animals come to us in the last financial year and rehomed a record 6017 animals.
"All this life-saving care is reliant on donations, and with RSPCA's Rescue Run there's the perfect incentive to raise funds for vulnerable animals while getting some daily exercise at the same time."
One of the first to sign up for RSPCA's Rescue Run is Miss Universe Australia finalist and new RSPCA SA ambassador Hanni Howe. After a childhood "blessed" with an endless stream of much-loved pets, Hanni now shares her home with three cats and three dogs. This diehard animal lover calls them her "six best friends".
"I've never known what it would be like to not have an animal in the household," Hanni said.
"If life allows, I know I'd never not have a beloved animal in my home – they really do complete the family."
The former SANFL player for the North Adelaide Football Club takes her fitness seriously and says she's "ecstatic" to be taking part in next month's RSPCA Rescue Run.
"Working with an organisation like the RSPCA has always been a dream of mine as everything they stand for I hold close to my heart.
"I'm super excited to put my all into Rescue Run, especially as it will be my first official fundraiser as an ambassador for the RSPCA in South Australia."
