Seventeen North Dakota animal rescues and shelters have come together to host a unique, virtual fundraiser to help animals in need.
North Dakota Race for Rescues is a virtual "5K equivalent" "run/walk/bike/hike/kayak/swim/anything you want" event that can be completed at any time, in any place.
"Animal rescues and shelters in North Dakota work around the clock to save stray, abandoned, injured, and neglected pets," said Kasey Breuer, Co-Founder of Animal Empowerment League. "On top of saving animals and finding them new homes, they work hard to raise enough money to keep their nonprofits running. North Dakota Race for Rescues is a joint effort to encourage everyone to help raise money for the many pets in need in our state - and just as important, raise awareness of the need for spaying/neutering, pet adoption, fostering, and volunteering."
Registration is $30 per person and participants will earn a set of two stickers that will be mailed to them. Online registration is available at cdhs.ejoinme.org/NDR4R2022. No proof of time or distance is necessary. The event runs Sept. 4 through Sept. 24.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Adopt-A-Pet FM, Animal Empowerment League, Bakken Paws, Central Dakota Humane Society, Circle of Friends, Furry Friends Rockin'Rescue, Hairball Haven, Humane Society of Richland/Wilkin Counties, Kitty City, Kritter Krazy Reptile and Exotic Rescue, Meowsers Cat Rescue, Miles of Love Dog Rescue, Prairie to Peaks Animal Assistance Foundation, Purrtect Pound Pals, Raise the Woof, TLC-ND Animal Rescue, and Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue.
Rescues are located across North Dakota, in Dickinson, Minot, Bismarck-Mandan, Grand Forks, Fargo, Rolla, Devils Lake, Bottineau, Bowman, Berthold Stanley, and Wapheton.
"Every year in North Dakota many thousands of animals are saved off the streets and the fields, rescued from local Animal Impounds, and relinquished by owners. The animal rescue and shelter folks work very hard to keep up with the demand," said Breuer. "If everyone who loves animals signs up to participate, it will go a long way toward helping all the organizations provide more relief from suffering for homeless animals and create more happy endings for pets and families."
People can find information about the event on the Facebook page of any of the listed rescues. There is also a separate Facebook page just for the event - @NDRaceforRescues. For questions or more information about the event, contact Animal Empowerment League on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/aelrescue.