Save Our Strays to raise funds for animal rescue through festival this weekend

KUCHING: Save Our Strays Kuching (SOS Kuching) is calling on the public to support its SOS Festival at CityOne Megamall this Dec 1 to 3.

Organised in conjunction with its fourth anniversary celebration, the three- day event will focus primarily on raising funds to rescue more animals on the street as well as raise greater awareness on animal welfare.

“If you’re thinking of spreading some good cheer and kindness this festive season, there is no better way than to share a good deed at SOS Festival,” the publicity release stated yesterday.

SOS Kuching rescues, saves and re-homes hundreds of animals annually, including seriously injured animals and those in need of neutering, to prevent more strays from suffering in the streets of Kuching.

Most of the funds raised go into medical and neutering fees as well as costs incurred for education, information and public awareness, pet adoption and basic costs incurred in stray rescue work.

Among the objectives of the event include celebrating the rescue work of stray animals, emphasising the importance of supporting animal welfare, educating and encouraging the public about rescuing and adopting animals, instilling compassion for animals among people, and raising awareness on the importance of vaccination and sterilisation.

“More importantly, the event hopes to emphasise that how a person responds to animal cruelty is a reflection on our humanity, and that it is crucial for all humans to live in harmony with stray animals,” the statement added.

Many exciting activities and programmes have been planned for the festival including a charity market, food trucks, leather collar-making lesson, face painting for kids, and pet lookalike photography competition.

SOS Kuching will also set up booths with areas dedicated for donation ( Drop-A- Gift Corner), merchandise sale, pet adoption (a corner posted with photos of rescued animals), registration of community feeder, neutering discount vouchers and grooming vouchers.

There will be a sharing session by veterinarian Dr Davies Banda from Animal Central Veterinary Clinic, and primary care doctor from Teddy Medical Clinic Dr Sim Chap Hoong.

Proceeds from the event will go to SOS Kuching.