Cause 4 Paws raises more than $20,000 for SAFE Broome

SAFE Broome’s annual Cause 4 Paws fundraiser has once again proven the strength of community spirit, with this year’s event raising more than $20,000 to support the rescue organisation’s work rehoming animals and preventing euthanasia.

Held at Matso’s Brewery on Saturday, August 9, the family-friendly event drew strong crowds throughout the afternoon and evening.

The program included live music, face painting, children’s activities, a silent disco, raffles, and an online auction, with a live auction drawing plenty of attention as major prizes went under the hammer.

Auction items included a scenic flight with Air Kimberley, pearl jewellery from Willie Creek Pearls and Allure South Sea Pearls, luxury accommodation at Moonlight Bay Suites, and a James Down artwork from Broome Gallery.

Raffle prizes also proved popular, with contributions from local businesses such as Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, Broome Whale Watching, and Broome Staircase Designs.

Volunteers and supporters were on hand to showcase some of the animals currently in foster care and encourage the community to get involved through fostering, fundraising, or adoption.

Saving Animals From Euthanasia Broome branch co-ordinator Sonya Debenham described the turnout and fundraising total as an overwhelming success, with the money raised going directly towards food, medical care, toys and equipment for animals in need.

“It was an awesome result — we’re really happy about that,” she said.

“Most of the money is going to go towards vet expenses — our vet bills per month are usually around the sort of $10,000-$15,000 mark.”

“The adoption fees don’t quite cover it . . . in reality but this event gives us a big boost so it’s really good. We do really feel the amount of support that we have in Broome, and how supported SAFE is, and that’s fantastic.

“I’d always love to say thank you to Abby Murray as well, because I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

She also put out the call for more foster carers.

“We’re always desperately short of foster carers. So if anyone wants to help out by sort of foster caring for an animal, that would be fantastic,” Ms Debenham said.

To donate to SAFE Broome, head to its website. SAFE also accepts Containers for Change donations.