Brisbane celebrates OctoberFETCH Sunday, 2 October

Thousands of ‘party animals’ will descend on Brisbane on Sunday for one of the biggest celebrations in the State’s south-east, but organisers insist there won’t be a dirndl or lederhosen in sight.

OctoberFETCH is a day out for dogs and the people who love them, and the event will raise much-needed funds for Guide Dogs Queensland which has struggled for donations following the floods.

Earlier this year, the organisation was forced to cancel its largest fundraising event ‘Pawknock’ which traditionally secured $250,000 when more than 75 per cent of the State was declared a disaster zone.

OctoberFETCH will replace the cancelled fundraiser as Guide Dogs Queensland’s biggest charity event for the year, and the organisation hopes thousands of dog lovers and families will turn out in support.

Figures released by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research reveal more than 40 per cent of Queensland households own at least one dog. GDQ hopes a large portion will be at OctoberFETCH.

A big day is planned for guests including dog displays from Guide Dogs, the RAAF, and other canine clubs, as well as a host of dog competitions and a puppy parade of would-be Guide Dogs-in-training.

But the highlight of OctoberFETCH which runs from 10am – 2pm on Sunday, October 2, 2011 will be a 4km dog-a-thon charity walk around picturesque Pine Rivers Park on Gympie Road at Strathpine.

Participants in the dog-a-thon are encouraged to pre-register for the event for free (or $10 on the day) to receive their own fundraising page which can be sent to family, friends and colleagues.

The day will also feature entertainment, great food, beverages from the ‘Hair of the Dog’ bar, and plenty of stalls; one of which will have the new 2012 GDQ Calendar and its dog and puppy pin-ups.

Retailing for $19.95, each page displays images of working Guide Dogs and pups from GDQ’s colony of close to 200 dogs. It is expected some of the calendar stars will also appear at OctoberFETCH.

The GDQ 2012 Calendar is one of several fundraising streams for the charity available to purchase on the day, others include Guide Dog’s own dog food ‘Leading RAW’ and its wine label ‘Good Paw’.

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Chris Laine said sales of each one will help the charity recoup the $30,000 needed to breed, train and place every Guide Dog it places for free to people in need.

“Presently there are more than 15 Queenslanders who are waiting to receive a Guide Dog, so demand is high but so is the cost,” she said. “Community events like OctoberFETCH not only help support our fundraising efforts but also hopefully provide a wonderful outing for families and their dogs”.

Media contact: GDQ PR and Special Projects Manager, Julie James on 0457 883 827 or j.james@guidedogsqld.com.au