LIHU‘E — Are you looking for a way to support Kaua‘i’s life-saving, nonprofit organizations? It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. The Kaua‘i Humane Society and Malama Pono Health Services have teamed up to host
LIHU‘E — Are you looking for a way to support Kaua‘i’s life-saving, nonprofit organizations? It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.
The Kaua‘i Humane Society and Malama Pono Health Services have teamed up to host Doggie Walk to Save Lives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lihi Park boat ramp in Kapa‘a. Registration for the event begins at 10 a.m. A one-mile or two-mile walk will begin at 11 a.m., which will be followed by a hot dog lunch.
Saturday’s dog walk marks the first time the Kaua‘i Human Society (KHS) and Malama Pono will partner for a fundraiser, but members of both organizations hope it won’t be the last.
“I’m a big believer in collaboration,” said Shannon Blizzard, executive director at KHS. “I think you get a greater reward when you collaborate.”
Organizers hope Saturday’s inaugural dog walk becomes an annual event.
“These are both local organizations where the money stays on the island,” said Alison Neustein, fundraising coordinator at Malama Pono. “It’s family friendly, and people can enjoy the bike path.”
Walkers will have a choice to donate money to one organization or the other, or have their donation split between the two nonprofits.
“We encourage people to give to the event and impact both organizations,” Blizzard said.
Money raised for KHS will be used to launch an in-depth volunteer training program, implement a “more developed” match-making process and grow the education program to include specialized workshops and programs, including a youth camp for aspiring veterinarians and the expansion of KHS’ critter camp.
Proceeds raised for Malama Pono will help offset diminishing grant money the organization relies on to fight HIV/AIDS, infectious Hepatitis and other STDs on Kaua‘i.
“It’s really about the vision,” Blizzard said. “ It’s to save more lives and be an expert resource for people in the community.”
During Saturday’s dog walk, KHS volunteers and staff members will be on hand hosting a microchip and licensing clinic, and adoptable dogs will be present. Members of Malama Pono will be passing out educational brochures and free condoms.
Volunteers will be leading the dog walk rain or shine, Blizzard added.
Julie and George Iddon, who are vacationing on Kaua‘i from Point Roberts, Wash., said they plan on attending the event. The couple spends one day a week during their two month stay volunteering at KHS.
“It’s a beautiful island,” said Julie, who took a break during Tuesday’s downpour to play with a 4-month-old Labrador mix. “It’s a way to give back to the island we are visiting. We love animals and they always need volunteers.”
Registered walkers will receive a lunch, and those who donate $50 or more will receive a T-shirt. There will be prize baskets for top fundraisers.
As of Tuesday, the event had raised $1,761, according to Neustein. The goal is to raise $8,000.
Staff at Malama Pono hopes that the Dog Walk will become one of the organization’s signature events, like Kaua‘i Sings and Paradise Ride.
“We are always looking to do events,” Neustein said. “That’s a big goal this year, to work on fundraising. There will definitely be more things to come.”
Visit www.facebook.com/kauaihumanesociety or www.malama-pono.org/doggiewalk for more information or to register online.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
