By Romy Stephens
Local dog owners are dressing up their furry friends this September to help raise money for children in need.
Petember, run by children’s charity Variety, is Australia’s first ever dog dress up competition that raises money for Variety Assistance Dogs.
Dogs and their owners will take on weekly costume challenges over the month of September in a bid to win prizes and score themselves treats along the way.
Each entrant has its own fundraising page, where money can be donated.
Millgrove’s Talei Whiteside has entered her two dogs, Lucy and Archie, because she believed everyone deserved to have a dog by their side.
“It sounded like fun to dress up Lucy and Archie and raise money for a good cause,” she said.
“My dogs bring me so much joy and I am grateful for their companionship and I want anyone in need to have this opportunity.”
Variety CEO Mandy Burns encouraged dog owners to get involved and support the organisation’s efforts to provide dogs to those in need.
“We know how much pets are loved, but for our children in need, an Assistance Dog will change their life and that of their family,” Ms Burns said.
“When specially trained seizure-alert dogs pull a child into the recovery position or a highly skilled Autism assistance dog keeps a child from running on the street, it is life saving and gives a gift of independence and safety that has been missing.
“By joining Petember and getting involved, you’re helping us make the future brighter for kids in need.”
Variety is a children’s charity that supports kids and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with special needs.
The charity’s work allows kids to gain mobility, to get out and about in the community, to communicate, achieve independence and increase their self-esteem.
Registrations for Petember are now open and the competition will run from 1-30 September.
To sign up, visit petember.com.au.
