Last month Johnson’s Veterinary Products sponsored the Rotary Club of Sutton Coldfield Vesey’s annual Boxing Day Walk, stepping up to support charitable organisations in the district for another year.
The Rotary is run by a committed, co-ordinated group of individuals who share a common ground to enhance community wellbeing by supporting or sponsoring a variety of projects. One of their long-standing associations is with Birmingham Dog’s Home, who at present, rescue and rehome 2,000 local homeless dogs every year without any government funding.
As providers of pet healthcare products, we use our understanding and fondness of pets to help the Rotary bolster animal welfare services, so that the vital work carried out by Birmingham Dog’s Home across the West Midlands and South Staffordshire can continue.
Details of the day
Town Gate welcomed in over 200 dog walkers of Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas to enjoy a leisurely stroll around Sutton Park’s Boxing Day trail. It’s become a yearly tradition for a lot of locals, using this post-Christmas charity event to support worthy causes close to home, chat to fellow pet owners, and return to healthier habits after a period of festive food and drink.
As event sponsors and pet wellbeing advocates, we supplied goodie bags full of practical pet products for attendees to utilise on the day and beyond, including a Johnson’s waterproof bag, towel, shampoo, pen, cleaning wipes, and dog collar tag.
All participating dogs received a certificate as they crossed the finish line confirming their achievement, regardless of whether they were competent walkers or pets that required assistance going round.
2024 was the first year where pet owners had the option to pay for a laser drawn picture of their dog made from a photograph. Incoming Rotary president and the talent behind these ‘pawtraits’, Dean Batty, created several unique pet illuminations which didn’t fail to impress.
Another successful year for the books
More than 80 walking representatives donated, both online and cash in hand, bringing the total moneys raised to £2040.80 – a record-breaking year for the Rotary and a very helpful sum to share between Birmingham Dog’s Home and other Rotary charities.
The workers who managed the registration desk and cash handlings reported several enquiries from the public about the event, which resulted in even more donations than usual.
Johnson’s contribution in future
It’s been a real privilege to watch the Rotary transform what was once a small fundraiser into the highly anticipated Boxing Day Walk that it is today, and there’s no better feeling knowing we have contributed to its burgeoning success.
Johnson’s relationship with the Rotary is one we take great pride in and look forward to developing even more in the future. Our collaborative efforts have provided invaluable support for animal welfare services for over 20 years, resulting in improved care and resource availability for the dogs who need their help.
Having cared for the nation’s pets for over 100 years, this is a cause we hold strongly in our hearts and want to be a part of unconditionally. We understand better than most the sentiment a pet can hold, and how quickly they become a loved member of the family. These connections are what drive us to continue innovating affordable and effective products, to support you on your pet ownership journey, and to ensure our pets have the best possible chance of a long and happy life.
