ROCKINGHAM — One local group of animal advocates is combining the members’ passion for paddling and pets.
Richmond County Operation Fix is hosting a “Paddle for Paws” fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
“I have been an avid kayaker for years and recently had been thinking of ideas to bring the local kayaking community together,” said Hanna Marks, vice president of R.C. Operation Fix. “So I thought, ‘What better way than to bring together animal lovers and kayakers for a good cause?’
“It seemed like a nice, low-key event to end the summer with.”
The event, sponsored by Ruest Realty Company, will include a 3-mile loop around Blewett Falls from the Anson County boat landing, as well as an optional trash pick-up in the area. Bags, gloves and grabbers will be provided. Ferguson Pest and Home is sponsoring the clean-up.
Marks says there will be prizes for those who pick up the most trash.
The $35 tickets include a lunch plate from Burger Bros. Puckered Up Lemonade and Riverside Canning Co. will also be on site, with Foster’s Fresh Canine Cuisine providing dog treats.
Tickets are available online, with a link provided on the event page.
Organizers have urged participation to keep the event from having to be canceled.
Formerly Richmond County Animal Advocates, members of the group decided several years ago to shift the focus to assisting residents with spaying and neutering costs to help curb the county’s unwanted pet population.
According to founder Allison Story, the group has funded more than 500 spay or neuter surgeries since 2019.
Operation Fix has held several other fundraisers, with its Spayghetti Dinner being its main fundraiser.
For more information, contact Story or Marks through Facebook.
