Animal Action Day a success despite heavy rain
The 4th annual Animal Action Day (AA Day) on the Gold Coast on Oct 2-3, 2010, attracted over 20 performers and speakers and raised $750 for Save China's Tigers despite heavy rain all weekend. In line with Year of the Tiger, funds go to help re-wild and breed the critically endangered South China Tiger.
Animal Action Day founder and event organiser Aldwyn Altuney said there were only about 80 South China Tigers left in the world and they had not been spotted in the wild for 25 years.
"It breaks my heart to hear these latest statistics on the South China Tiger," Aldwyn said.
"They are such beautiful animals and like all other animals, deserve respect, a good healthy life and for the species to live on for future generations."
The charity fun family event raised awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals and the environment, with speakers covering topics such as kangaroos, endangered domestic livestock, the plight of the South China Tiger, sea creatures, whales, fruitarianism, healthy eating and living in the present moment, among others.
It was held at Gecko House, 139 Duringan St, Currumbin, with After Party Concert at Currumbin RSL, just before World Animal Week from Oct 4-10, 2010.
A few hundred people came to the event over the weekend from all over Australia, despite the constant rain. Performers at the After Party Concert included folk singer/ guitarists Beau, Kate Leopold and Nyje, fire twirler Andrew, Liquid Dancers Rush and Blue Eyes and Native American performers Bobby Runningfox, his son Eagledancer and Walter Smith.
Aldwyn said she was really pleased that nature was nurtured on the weekend and that the event attracted so much support, despite this.
"We had an amazing group of like-minded people along who are passionate about making a difference in the world," Aldwyn said.
"Some fantastic connections were made and ongoing collaborative projects will blossom as a result of Animal Action Day 2010. I know many people were also inspired to take action - not only for animals and the environment - but also to improve the quality of their own lives. It can only get bigger and better from here. I can't wait until next year's event!
"In saying that, I encourage the community to make every day Animal Action Day. People can take action with healthy choices while shopping; they can buy cruelty free; reduce their consumption of animal products or become vegetarian or vegan; write to their local, state or federal elected rep to convey views on animal protection; volunteer with animal organisations; write a letter to the editor of their local papers; recycle and compost at home and express concerns to food companies and supermarkets that are involved in sustaining animal suffering.
"An active Facebook group called 'Animal Action Day – Take Action For Animals' has over 260 members. People are encouraged to join this group and submit their animal action ideas on here as well.
"Together, we can all make a difference for animals and the environment."
The event also attracted great media coverage, with NBN TV, The Bulletin and Sunday Mail coming along on the weekend to cover the event. Media in the lead up to the event included Gold FM 92.5, Beau FM, 101.1 Brisbane radio, 102.1 4ZZZ, Gold Coast Sun, Gold Coast Bulletin, Paws & Claws Magazine and Queensland Business Acumen magazine (that we know of).
Thousands of dollars worth of raffle prizes were given away at the After Party Concert. Discussions are now in place to set up an Animal Action Foundation and form a committee to take the 5th annual Animal Action Day next year global.
A website has also been sponsored by New Business Media, called www.animalactionday.org which we will soon be adding a lot more information to.
To get involved in Animal Action Day events in future, please call Aldwyn on 5571 0233/ 0409 895 055 or email aldwyn@aaxpose.com
Thanks again to everyone involved in making the last four events such a huge success.
