Tag Archives: fundraising

Greyt Fashions

Posted on July 12, 2018 | Leave a comment

So to my regular readers, I’m sorry it’s been almost a week since my last posting.  That’s because I’ve been busy.  Really busy.

On Sunday, the culmination of 2 years of thoughts/ideas and 7 months of planning came to fruition in the form of Greyt Fashions, a fundraiser for greyhound adoption to support Greyhounds as Pets. This is the charity that matched Izzy and me back in 2014.  I aim to support dog adoption each year through fundraising, but this year has certainly topped all my previous efforts with $4994 raised in a single event.

The idea behind the show was simple:  highlight that greyhounds need clothes and let our volunteer owners show off their hounds in the clothing they had chosen for them.

Alongside the show, we had a silent auction and prize raffle of donated goods and services.  I was humbled by the number of sponsors which came on board at the first request.

It was an awesome day, and one that passed quite quickly for me.  Thankfully, the folks at Parker Photography also donated their services and were able to document the day for us.  More photos are expected on my Facebook page later this week as the photographers process and edit their photos.

I feel it is very important that local businesses give back to their communities in a tangible way.  I am in a lucky position to be able to devote some of my time in support of worthy causes and I would rather spend my time on these efforts than traditional ‘marketing.’

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog adoption, dog breeds, Dogs

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Fundraising

Posted on May 19, 2017 | Leave a comment

I haven’t been posting as frequently as I would like.  Forgive me.

Over the last two months, I have been pulling together the prizes and other arrangements for my third annual fundraising event.  While I always walk away feeling good that I’ve invested my time in giving back to the community, these events take time and effort.

I haven’t had much time to do my usual research and writing – but we are in countdown mode with less than 2 days to go.  And then it will be over for another year.

Tonight, I am wrapping prizes.  This photo shows my progress – but thankfully there is still a long way to go thanks to many generous donors/sponsors.

Prizes

Back soon with doggy news.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in animal welfare, Dogs

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Reflecting my values

Posted on March 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

They say that entrepreneurs start businesses because they want to do something that they enjoy.  I believe that.  I also believe that those of us who have started a business want it to reflect our personal values.

I remember that, when I was employed in my ‘first career’ as a manager, we were reminded about studies involving employee engagement.  These studies show that employees leave an organisation when they don’t feel that it matches their value system.  If the business reflects your values – you’ll be a happy employee.

So, I decided that when my practice was large enough, I wanted to give back to the local community by supporting dog adoptions and welfare.  Agencies involved in animal welfare always need money to operate and are financially stressed on a regular basis.  I decided to use my fundraising skills through organising and sponsoring an annual fundraiser.

This is my third year organising an event and the beneficiary is Second Chance Dog Rescue.

This fundraiser has a Second Chance theme – also reflecting my interests in the environment and sustainability.  It’s a swap party – and everyone who attends is being asked to bring a good, used item to swap with others.  We’ll also accept donations of good, used toys and other items for the rescue.

This means that the environment wins as much as the dogs.  And I think it will be an entertaining Sunday afternoon – 21 May 2017.

I’ll let you know how it goes after the event.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

Swap party announcement

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Leisa & Indy’s NZ Charity Cycleway Journey

Posted on July 31, 2015 | Leave a comment

Leisa McNaughton and her dog Indy, a Border Collie/Bernese Mountain Dog cross, will commence a 4-month journey on 1st October 2015 to travel the length of New Zealand.

Their journey will begin in Cape Reinga and travel using tracks that are part of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail and connector routes.

On her Facebook page, Leisa says, “My aim is to encourage others to join me in the sights and sounds of our wonderful country while cycling the length of NZ and fundraising for my 13 chosen charities.”  These charities , all regional, will include:

  • Sport Northland Whangarei
  • Auckland Rescue Helicopter Auckland
  • Cambridge Riding for the Disabled Cambridge
  • Cranford Hospice Hastings
  • The Capital Performing Arts Wellington
  • Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust Blenheim
  • Menzshed Waimea
  • The Tasman Environmental Trust Richmond, Nelson
  • Westcoast Coastguard Greymouth
  • Canterbury SPCA Christchurch
  • Otago Medical Research Foundation Dunedin
  • Number 10 Invercargill
Indy tests his trailer before the big journey starts (photo by Leisa)

Indy tests his trailer before the big journey starts (photo by Leisa)

Leisa says she and Indy “chose each other” at the SPCA about six years ago.  She attributes her recovery from severe depression and burnout to, in part, Indy’s non-judgmental support and companionship.

Indy will ride in a specially designed trailer during the pair’s journey together.

You can follow Leisa and Indy on their Facebook page.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Beefcake (not beef bones) to benefit dogs

Posted on December 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

Christchurch based animal welfare charity K9 Rescue and Rehoming has paired well-muscled men with dogs available for adoption in their 2014 calendar.

K9 Rescue and Rehoming calendar

Entitled Dogs and Dudes, this fundraising calendar includes photographs of New Zealand actors and other local celebrities who were willing to bare their bodies to support dog adoption.

The best way to organise a purchase is to contact Trisha through the organisation’s Facebook page.  Calendars cost NZ$25

And dog owners get to enjoy a little beefcake all year long, combined with some really beautiful dog photos, too!

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Posted in animal welfare

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I support SPCA Cupcake Day

Posted on August 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

I love innovative fundraising campaigns that attract attention.   (Plus I’m sick of people who peddle fundraising boxes of chocolates which in my opinion is simply too easy and contributes to the obesity problem.)

So this year, I’m supporting SPCA Cupcake Day.
Cupcake Day PosterInstead of selling human cupcakes, I’m selling doggy cupcakes.  These cakes are tummy friendly with fresh ingredients like banana and apple.  The frosting is low fat cream cheese and the treat on top is one of my Chicken & Parsley Doggy Bites.

I’m having lots of fun taking orders and baking these, plus I feel like I’m supporting a cause I believe in and giving back to my community.

My cupcakes for Cupcake Day are selling for $2 each

My cupcakes for Cupcake Day are selling for $2 each

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Posted in animal welfare

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Help! Needham needs a dog park

Posted on July 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Needham, Massachusetts doesn’t have a dedicated facility where dogs can run and exercise off-leash.  For a town that is home to approximately 3,000 registered dogs, it’s a real shame.

Dog park image

Thankfully, a group of dedicated owners led by Mike Verdun and Bill Paulson are hoping to change that.  They and a group of about 10 other passionate dog owners have located a suitable site, the Nike Site, next to Ridge Hill Reservation. The group is now fundraising to establish the park.

Needham Dog Park map

$25,000 is needed to establish the facility; the bulk of the money is needed for the fencing, combined with signage and a wood chip base.  Double gates will ensure that dogs are kept safe as they enter and exit the park.

‘We’ve talked to other communities in Massachusetts that already have dog park facilities,’ says Bill.  ‘We’re confident in our design.’

So far, the group has raised $3,500 – so there’s still a long way to go.  If you and your dog benefit from off-leash exercise in your community, maybe you can consider making a small donation to help the dogs of Needham be rewarded with their own dog park.

The Needham Dog Park donation form has all of the instructions you need.  And you can follow progress via the Needham Dog Lovers Facebook page.

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Posted in dog care

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Dogs and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Now more than ever, there are products for you and your dog so you can support the cause and show your love of dogs at the same time.

Here are some examples:

Hyper Pet Fetch For A Cause™ Tennis Balls are available from Pet 360

The Hyper Pet Fetch For A Cause™ Hyper Flippy Flopper Flying Disk is also available from Pet 360

Dog-themed key chains with the pink ribbon motif are available from FunnyFur.com

A range of doggy t-shirts including this one are available from Zazzle.com

Breast Cancer flip-flops (or jandals in the southern hemisphere) are available through Cafe Press

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Posted in dog care, dogs in advertising

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Take your dog to work day 2011

Posted on June 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Take Your Dog to Work Day is Friday, 24th June this year.

This day is used to help raise funds for animal care organisations around the world  as employers sponsor special events for employees and their dogs.  It has also become an opportunity to introduce employers to the benefits of a dog-friendly workplace.

The folks at Pet Sitters International started this event back in 1999 and their website gives you lots of useful information about how to get your employer on board, tips for success, and event ideas.

Their tips for Dog Day Success include:

  • designating some areas as off-limits to cater to employees who do not want to participate
  • having regular breaks for dog walks, possibly offering the services of a dog walker
  • ensuring all dogs are kept on leash
  • making sure employees have alternative arrangements if their dogs get sick or are unhappy in the office

There’s still time to organise your own Take Your Dog to Work Day for this year!

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

 

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