The Scottish SPCA is ‘back with a bark’ as they are set to host a 5km sponsored dog walk at Callendar Park in Falkirk.
We will return with our first in-person event since 2019, Bark in the Park, to raise vital funds for animals across Scotland. Supporter Lauren Cunningham is one of the top fundraiser for the event and has so far raised £206.95.
Lauren said, “I am taking part in Bark in the Park and raising funds on behalf of the Scottish SPCA along with my little dog Olive.
“When the event was announced I signed up instantly as the Scottish SPCA holds a very special place in my heart. If it wasn’t for their vital work my family would never have been blessed with our dogs, Maisie and Maya.
“My family adopted Maisie from their Dunbartonshire and West Scotland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in September 2009. She was a young, very friendly dog, who hadn’t had a great start in life.
“My family fell in love with her as soon as we saw her happy face. A few months later we decided she needed a friend, so we adopted Maya from the Society’s Glasgow centre in April 2010. She was handed into the centre by an elderly lady who had her best interests at heart, but could no longer take care of her.
“When we first saw Maya, she was wandering around her pen with her little blanket hanging out of her mouth. How could anyone have resisted? They became instant friends and spent the rest of their lives together, rarely ever apart.
“We had the privilege of more than a decade of love with these two wonderful dogs and our lives were truly shattered when Maisie passed in 2020 and Maya in 2021. “They have left a lasting imprint upon our hearts and my family will be forever honoured that the Scottish SPCA entrusted them to us.
“Olive and I are taking part in Bark in the Park in their memory.
“I am proud to be one of the Bark in the Park top fundraisers. I’ve found most of my donations have come through social media. My friends and family have been kind enough to share my fundraising page which has definitely helped!
“The great thing about fundraising for a charity like the Scottish SPCA is that so many people have wonderful stories about the organisation and want to donate to help animals when they need it most.”
Scottish SPCA fundraising manager, Paul McKeown, said, “We are so excited to get back to in person events, and can’t wait to be ‘back with a bark’.
“We’d love for as many people as possible to join us with their dogs on 28 August at Callendar Park in Falkirk.
“Registration costs £13 for adults and £6 for children. We have a limited number of discounted entries available to get 30% off the entry fee using code: BARK30.
“Once you sign up, you will get a personal fundraising page where you can earn some great rewards too, including dog bandanas and t-shirts. Your entry fees will ensure that we can make this event as ‘pawsome’ as possible, but your fundraising will help us be there for Scotland’s animals.
“We are still on the lookout for local vendors to help make the event ‘pawsome’. All you need to do is complete a quick online form to register your interest and let us know about the services and products you will provide on the day.
“We are asking vendors to give a £30 donation to the animals in our care for their space at the event.
“We are also hosting a virtual Bark in the Park for those who can’t be there on the day, or live elsewhere in Scotland but still want to take part.
“We are so thankful for dedicated supporters like Lauren who is absolutely smashing her fundraising. It’s amazing to hear the impact her dogs have had on her life, and Bark in the Park will help us to care for more animals like Maisie and Maya until they find their forever homes.”
Bark in the Park will be sponsored by Cala Homes (East). The homebuilder has supported the charity over the past three years, and are continuing that sponsorship with Bark in the Park.
Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said, “Cala Homes and the Scottish SPCA have worked closely together in recent years.
“We have helped the charity deliver seven successful virtual fundraising events to date, which have raised more than £113,000 for animals in Scotland.
“This August we are delighted to once again offer our support for Bark in the Park as the Scottish SPCA return to in-person events.
“As well as sponsoring Bark in the Park, a number of our team will be putting their trainers on and tackling the walk with their furry friends, helping to raise money for this important cause.”
People can sign up to Bark in the Park at Callendar Park in Falkirk on 28 August here:
https://fundraise.scottishspca.org/event/barkinthepark/home
People can sign up to take part in a virtual Bark in the Park here:
https://fundraise.scottishspca.org/event/barkintheparkvirtual/home
People can register their interest in becoming a vendor here:
https://fundraise.scottishspca.org/bark-in-the-park-vendor
