Mon Sep 6 2010
Story by Aldwyn Altuney
Funds raised from stall holder donations and raffle tickets sold on the day will go to Save China's Tigers, in line with Year of the Tiger this year. There are less than 100 South China Tigers left in the wild as they have been almost hunted to extinction.
The charity fun family event aims to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals and the environment.
Founder and organiser Aldwyn Altuney, of Gold Coast company AA Xposé Media, said stalls didn't have to promote animal products, they just needed to be animal friendly.
While stalls are free, business owners will just be invited to provide a tax-deductible donation (recommended to be at least $20) for Save China's Tigers.
This year's Animal Action Day inside Gecko (Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council) House and nearby Winders Park by the river, 139 Duringan St, Currumbin, will run from 10-5pm each day.
The action-packed day will feature performers on stage in the park, animal films/ documentaries by the likes of Lin Sutherland, Lynn Santer and David Attenborough inside Gecko, workshops, jumping castle and animal displays.
Performers confirmed so far include Andy from Shoebox, Kandy McCouat, Miami one-man band playing acoustic roots, blues and reggae Mattie Barker, Byron Bay blues performer Craig Telfer, Palm Beach folk soul singer/ guitarist Kate Leopold, SlyJacks Delta, Peter Miller, Currumbin R 'n' B folk slide guitarist Nyje, singer Raymond Symes (doing Neil Diamond covers) and DJ elemental Guy Sohm, who will mix it up with soul, funk and world music.
Speakers include Steven Prassas, from Save China's Tigers in Sydney and Gold Coast author Andy McDermott (who will both speak on the plight of the South China Tiger), celebrity author Lynn Santer (long-time big cat lover will speak about her new book 'An Unbelievable Life' and what she's done for big cats in the world, Nerida Marshall from STARS (speaking on farm animals), Tracey Courtney from a Redhead Saving Redheads (on orangutans), Terri Melloway from Sea Shepherd (on ocean mammals), among others.
The event will be held in the lead up to World Animal Week from October 4-10 this year.
"Every business which joins in will receive a free paragraph and link to their site on www.aaxpose.com; the AA Day website (being set up by sponsors New Business Media) which will remain online indefinitely and free media promotion," she said.
"The last three events were a huge buzz and fantastic networking opportunity for business people."
Sponsors are also being sought and will be recognized by logo placement being done on postcards, kindly donated for the second year in a row by Screamer Media as well as other promo.
The first two events raised about $500 each for the Animal Welfare League and David Fleay Wildlife Park respectively. Last year's event raised over $1200 for WSPA and $130 for Save Japan Dolphins.
Mainstream Gold Coast radio station Gold FM 92.5 is sponsoring radio ads again this year and extra 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 $3000 for Save China's Tigers."
Save China's Tigers has taken on an ambitious project to reverse the fate of the South China Tiger from the border of extinction by taking them out of zoos, breeding them in South Africa, letting them regain their hunting abilities and reintroducing them back to China's wild.
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 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. For more details on the charity, visit www.savechinastigers.org
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