Red dogs on the go for charity

May 10, 2012

Red dogs on the go for charity

Greyhound Racing New Zealand is seeking national registered charitable organisations interested in joining its Go the Red Dog! fundraising campaign.

The chosen charity or charities would benefit each time greyhounds racing in the traditional red rug (number one) won races at meetings nationwide throughout May to early June, with $100 going into the charity pot for every win by the red dog across more than 400 races during the campaign.

The Go the Red Dog! began at the start of May and GRNZ has already raised more than $2000, with total funds to be given to charity ahead of country’s premier distance greyhound race, the Plaster Board Duke of Edinburgh Silver Collar, at Manukau Stadium on June 10.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) was the original charity recipient of the Go the Red Dog! campaign, however made the decision to end the agreement recently.

RNZFB Executive Director Supporter Marketing and Fundraising, Alison Wheatley, said: “The RNZFB received some feedback from members of the public about our association with greyhound racing and we have decided to end the fundraising agreement. We thank Greyhound Racing New Zealand for this opportunity”.

GRNZ Racing Manager Stuart Cashen said RNZFB’s late decision was unfortunate given it had earlier agreed to take part in the campaign.

“Our understanding is that once the campaign had started the RNZFB received some emails and Facebook comments from a small group of people citing complaining about the campaign due to we believe are unfounded animal welfare concerns.

“Like GRNZ, those involved in the greyhound racing industry consider the welfare of dogs their paramount concern.

“Nevertheless, we respect the RNZFB’s decision, which now gives other interested charities the opportunity to get involved in the Go the Red Dog! campaign.”

Charities interested in getting involved should contact Mr Cashen by emailing stuart.cashen@nzgra.org.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media