Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Paws-itive plans for hospice fundraiser
JUDITH TONNER
Four- legged friends will be putting their best paws forward on Sunday for a popular annual St Andrew’s Hospice fundraiser.
The Airdrie charity’s fifth annual Paws in the Park event will see more than 100 dogs and their owners take part in a sponsored 6km walk at Strathclyde Park.
It forms part of a huge fundraising family fun day – which also includes a dog fashion show, agility course and canine-themed stalls.
Also on offer for youngsters will be attractions including a fire engine, bouncy castle, inflatables, beat the goalie, mascots, crafts, face painting and glitter tattoos
The event raises funds for the hospice’s £9 million capital appeal. Its Henderson Street home was completely renovated and refurbished last year with new rooms, en suite facilities, direct garden access for all patients and state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology.
Capital appeal director Karen McFadyen told the Advertiser : “Paws in the Park was the first event we did to raise funds for the capital appeal four years ago – it’s a really popular event and has raised around £20,000 for the appeal over the years.
“We’re expecting to have a few hundred people there and quite a few often sign up on the day; we hope to raise around £5000 and would encourage everybody
She added: “The feedback from patients and families on the refurbished hospice has been tremendous.”
The event is being sponsored by Avondale Vets of Strathaven and Blantyre dog daycare firm Going Mutts. There will burgers and ice cream.
Its dog walk runs from 11am to 3pm; entry costs £ 5 per dog and there is a further £5 charge to enter the optional fashion show.
Organisers are also seeking talented dancers to perform on the day; anyone who can help is asked to call 01236 772048.
Visit www. st- andrews- hospice. com/ event/ paws- in- the- park- 18august- 2019/ for more details and to