A picture could mean a lot more than a thousand words.
Paws for a Cause, where you can have your pet’s photo taken by donation, makes its first appearance in Colwood’s picturesque Esquimalt Lagoon this Sunday (April 24). The fundraiser will support animals in India that aren’t treated with the same kind of love as many pets in Canada. All proceeds from the day’s event go to Animal Aid Unlimited.
“I spent time there dealing one on one with those animals (with AAU), it was really heart touching,” said organizer Angie Ferrill. “I saw where the money was going, how they treat the animals and I know $10 Canadian can go a lot farther there than it does here. I am a big animal lover, so I decided to do whatever I could to help.”
Ferrill, who by day is the food and beverage supervisor at the Westin Bear Mountain Gold Resort & Spa, teams up with Hattie Root Photography for the pet photo shoots for a minimum donation of $30. The event is aimed at raising funds and awareness for the work of AAU and for future similar events around Greater Victoria.
“I work in the West Shore and I lived here for quite a while,” Ferrill said. “I have ties here and with Hattie Root being based (in Langford), it was the best location. Esquimalt Lagoon is beautiful for pictures.”
Ferrill’s work continues with a golf event Aug. 19, when proceeds from the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course fundraiser continue to go toward the animals overseas.
“Animals don’t have a voice, so it is important they have a voice. And I think you can judge a person by how they treat an animal,” Ferrill said. The situation in India with animals would tug at people’s heartstrings here, she added.
To sign up for this photo shoot, future shoots or the golf fundraiser, email angie.ferrill@westinbearmountain.com
alim@goldstreamgazette.com