National Dog Walk for the Carers Association

National Dog Walk for the Carers Association

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al7RhBYUgEA[/youtube]

www.carersireland.com
Following the success of Irelands first National Dog Walk, which raised €40,000 for family carers last year, Petmania and The Carers Association is again asking dog owners and their dogs to join them on Easter Monday, April 25th 2011, for this, the second annual event. The National Dog Walk will see five kilometre walks starting from 13 of Petmanias stores nationwide to raise vital funds for family carers.

With a minimum fund-raising target this year of €75,000, funds raised through the National Dog Walk go towards supporting the care provided by Irelands 161,000 family carers, who are often confined to home looking after their loves ones.

“Last years walk saw over 1,500 dog owners and their dogs pound the streets of Ireland and we have extra walks added with new Petmania store openings this year at Athlone and Galway. Weve been looking forward to the 2011 National Dog Walk since the first event last year. It was a fantastic day and brilliant to be able to raise so much money for The Carers Association. They do amazing work, so were looking forward to getting lots of dogs and their owners out on the streets again this year said Emily Miller, Petmania.

The Dog Walk promises a fun day out for the whole family and their dogs and a chance to walk off those Easter eggs while raising funds for a great cause. A host of excellent prizes are on offer, with the dog that raises the most money at each of the 13 walks receiving one years supply of Dog Food from the National Dog Walks official nutrition partners, Royal Canin, valued at up to €1,500. In addition to this prize, €1 from every purchase of Royal Canin dog or cat food in Petmania stores in March and April will be donated to The Carers Association.

Not only that, but the dog that raises the most money nationally will be able to whisk his or her family away for a fabulous five-night holiday, worth over €1,500, in the luxurious Harveys Point Hotel in Lough Eske, Co. Donegal. One of Irelands top dog friendly hotels, the winning pooch will be pampered along with the family, of two adults and up to three children, with two evening meals included.

Enda Egan, CEO of The Carers Association said, “The work of family carers is often physically and emotionally demanding. The Carers Association works towards recognition, empowerment and a better quality of life for family carers. This fundraising campaign will help to provide many family carers with essential support services, such as in-home respite care, emotional support and training. We are hugely appreciative of Petmanias ongoing support.

Commenting on Petmania teaming up with The Carers Association for the National Dog Walk, Shane O Keeffe, Managing Director of Petmania said, “This event is one which encapsulates all of what Petmania is about celebrating the joy and fun that pets bring to family life. It is the perfect way to acknowledge the relationship that exists between dogs and their owners – and the love, companionship and loyal support that they provide to their families. It is this connection to family loyalty and support that led Petmania, in 2010, to nominate The Carers Association as our official people-charity, and to use this event to help raise vital funds for this extraordinary organisation.

It costs just €5 for an individual and their dog to take part in the walk, or €10 for a family of four. All participating dogs will be asked to raise sponsorship for their participation, and will be in with the chance of being crowned Top Dog and win some fabulous prizes. Participants can register at their local Petmania store or Carers Association Centre or online at www.nationaldogwalk.ie.

http://www.petmania.ie/events/