“Good things happen when the right people come together,” says Ballinger. “In this case, it’s the residents of Scugog and Uxbridge townships who are working together for a common cause — to raise funds for the new animal shelter. So, a walk-a-thon sounded like a good idea for them to come together and meet each other! It’s the committee’s fondest hope to have 500 people from each community participate — just 2.5% of the total population from the two townships. That’s not asking much.”
Individually numbered Walk-a-Thon buttons are available at township offices, libraries and Pet Valu stores in Port Perry and Uxbridge for a donation of $5. They allow the purchaser to qualify for draws for a variety of prizes at the BBQ. Sponsorship forms/pledge sheets are also available at the same locations. Participants are encouraged to create their own online pledge page to collect donations via credit card, debit card and PayPal — with instant tax receipts for the donor. Visit the Walk-a-Thon event on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/191116697705837/) for more details, or check out our website (www.animal-shelter.ca) which is being relaunched this week after a great facelift!
This event will not only bring together the townships of Uxbridge and Scugog but also play on a longstanding, friendly competition between the two communities. Participants are being encouraged to challenge one another — business versus business, school versus school, politician versus politician, and friend versus friend — all to see who will win the prize for most money raised (and who is best dressed)!
“We’ve always had this rivalry in sports events and other areas,” continues Ballinger. “The ultimate is that Uxbridge challenges Port Perry and Uxbridge has more walkers than Port Perry.”
