Moving for a ‘pawsome’ cause

Throughout February, each resident from Southern Cross Care’s Onkaparinga Lodge Residential Care will walk a 200-metre paw-themed track around the lodge as many times as they can with help from site staff, volunteers and family members.

The fundraising idea came from a residents meeting in late 2018, with the goal to raise $1000 to help animals in need.

On top of supporting RSPCA South Australia, the fundraising will help residents embrace Southern Cross Care’s healthy ageing philosophy by promoting physical exercise and social interaction.

Carolyn Jones from RSPCA South Australia says the fundraiser is a “wonderful” initiative, and funds will go towards the care and rehabilitation of animals at its Lonsdale shelter.

“We rely wholly on donations for this work, caring for about 10,000 animals every year,” she says.

Onkaparinga Lodge resident Pat Dawson says helping animals is a cause very close to her heart.

“I can’t bear to see an animal hurt or neglected, and the RSPCA step in and help the animals in need, which is why I’m excited to be helping raise money for them,” she says.

“I’ll aim to walk two to four laps per day of the 200-metre course.”

Donations can be made in person at Onkaparinga Lodge Residential Care home or online here.