ARFmazing Race held at Spencer Smith Park

All ages were present at the ARFmazing Race. Photo by Trent Schwartz

STORY BY MOLLY MUSSELWHITE

Burlington Humane Society hosted its annual fundraiser last Sunday at Spencer Smith Park.

The ARFmazing Race is held each year at Burlington’s Waterfront. The day is filled with fun competitions and prizes for Burlington and Oakville dog owners.

“I’ve been bringing my dog to the ARFmazing Race since the fundraiser started three years ago,” said Oakville resident Rachel Boniface, “I’ve had Hershey for most of my life so I love bringing him here to support such a wonderful cause. Not only did he love playing with all the other dogs but I also received so many goodies to take home for him. Overall, it was a great day and I plan to continue attending each year.”

All donations received from the event will go to straight back to the care of the animals at the Burlington Humane Society.

            “It’s important to have the ARFmazing Race so that Burlington Humane can interact with the community and they can see what we are all about.  Raising money and awareness for our cause is so important.  We receive no government funding, so every dollar of our $450,000 annual operating budget must be raised from events, and donations. It’s also great to provide something active that the whole family can participate in,” said Burlington Humane Society’s promotions director, Bianca Chambers.

            Dog owners were welcomed with a barbecue, vendors offering freebies and prizes. The event was followed by the Pooch Promenade where owners were welcomed for a 4K walk along the lakefront and through the downtown core.

“We were very lucky with weather and got a beautiful day, which helped bring out a lot of people.  There was a constant flow of people doing the challenges, visiting the vendors and BBQ, and just having a great time,” said Chambers. “One hundred per cent of the money goes straight back to the care animals at Burlington Humane.  Kitten season is coming up, and we will likely be full to the brim with cats and kittens waiting for a forever home.”

The event was sponsored by Pets Plus Us and Ren’s Pet Depot. Visit burlingtonhumane.ca to donate to the care of the animals at the shelter.