Fri Aug 7 2009
Story by Aldwyn Altuney
SCREAMER Media are among the first sponsors of the third annual Animal Action Day on October 3, 2009, offering to supply banners and other printed material.
To be held from 10am to midnight this year at Threeworlds, Mermaid Beach, the free, fun, community event aims to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals.
All proceeds this year will go to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
The last two events, founded and organised by AA Xposé Media Director/ Photojournalist Aldwyn Altuney, were held in different Southport ovals and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.
Funds raised from stall holder donations and raffle tickets sold on the day (about $500 both years) went to the Animal Welfare League and David Fleay Wildlife Park respectively.
"This is the first year the event will be held on a Saturday and will go until midnight, so it will be one big party, as well as a day of celebration for the animals," Aldwyn said.
Since it will be held at Threeworlds, at 2558 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, just south of Conrad Jupiters and Pacific Fair, there will also be fantastic exposure to passers by on the day.
Limited spaces are available for stall holders this year. Stalls are free – business owners will just be invited to provide a tax-deductible donation (recommended to be at least $20) for WSPA.
This year's Animal Action Day will be held in the lead up to WSPA's World Animal Week from October 4-10 this year.
The Fun Team have returned to sponsor a jumping castle this year, a Painted Faces artist will do face painting, the RSPCA will have a stand and David Fleay Wildlife Park will do wildlife demonstrations.
The diverse range of roving and stage performers confirmed so far include acoustic pop rock covers duo The Stage Invaders, fire twirler Shine, country singer Allison Forner, Raymond Symes (doing a Neil Diamond show), DJ'g by Guy Sohm of 33 Expressions and plenty of other entertainment.
So far the party program also includes (times may change closer to the date):
3pm - eco-conservationist, passionate about frogs, Kate Leopold (original folk),
4pm - Shano (blues);
6pm - Shoebox (reggae) and
8pm - Haba Dudes (gypsy jazz).
More solos and bands awaiting confirmation.
Aldwyn said businesses were also invited to donate raffle prizes as a bonus promotional opportunity.
"Every business which joins in will receive a free link on www.aaxpose.com which will remain online indefinitely and free media promotion," she said.
"The last two events were a huge buzz and fantastic networking opportunity for business people."
Mainstream radio station Gold FM has once again hopped on board to sponsor the radio advertising for the third year in a row and media coverage is expected from the Gold Coast Sun and Bulletin as well as ABC Coast FM, 4CRB and other local stations.
"Businesses have been hopping on board quickly for this year's event, which is set to be at least twice as big as last year's one that attracted a few hundred people. This year, our aim is to raise at least $1000 for WSPA."
The world's first Animal Action Day began on the Gold Coast in 2007, after Aldwyn saw the graphic Earthlings film (about people's abuse of animals over time).
"I was so shocked and horrified by what I saw in the film that I was inspired to take action for our animal friends and encourage others to do the same with Animal Action Day," she said.
"It's absolutely atrocious that so many cases of animal cruelty are still happening in Queensland and around the world.
"It's easy to think that one person can not make a change to big issues like whaling or live exports of sheep but the fact is, if everyone just did something, collectively we can all make a huge difference.
"That's what Animal Action Day is about – taking action for animals."
Animal Action Day aims to encourage people to take action for animals – whether it be reporting cases of animal cruelty to animal welfare organisations, having your pet desexed, buying free range eggs or signing petitions against inhumane practices such as whaling.
"Animal Action Day is also about celebrating animals as great companions in our lives and fellow 'Earthlings' that deserve respect."
Her vision is for the exciting event to be held annually worldwide.
"I strongly encourage everyone in the community to take some action for the animals," Aldwyn said.
"The idea is to encourage responsible pet ownership and take positive steps towards protecting animals across the planet.
"We look forward to a huge day of fun and action for the animals again this year."
Volunteers are needed to co-ordinate the stalls, entertainment schedule and raffle prizes.
To offer giveaways for the raffle, have a stall, volunteer for the Animal Action Day, call Aldwyn on (07) 5571 0233/ 0409 895 055 or email: aldwyn@aaxpose.com.
To view a five-minute video of the 2007 Animal Action Day, visit www.youtube.com and search for Animal Action Day. Facebook fans can also join the Animal Action Day group and receive updates there or visit www.aaxpose.com
How funds raised for WSPA are used:
WSPA, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, exists for the sole purpose of raising the standards of animal welfare throughout the world.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals believes in a world where animals matter and cruelty ends.
Money raise helps WSPA to save dancing bears from a life of torment and pain; stop the slaughter of stray dogs; support the rescue and rehabilitation of orangutans in Borneo; care for animals affected by floods, famine and natural disasters around the world; campaign against the cruelty of whaling and so much more.
By fundraising for WSPA, people help to improve animal welfare in three ways:
Rescue animals
The WSPA responds with essential aid and support for abandoned, mistreated or neglected animals – or animals affected by disaster.
Change Hearts and Minds
The WSPA educates people to respect animals and treat them humanely. Through education, they believe they can break the cycle of cruelty.
Act Against Cruelty
The WSPA works to expose animal cruelty and fighting for better enforcement of laws to ensure that animal abuse is not tolerated. Visit: www.wspa.org.au
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! CU THERE! :)
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