Participants enjoy lasts years 5K run/walk to raise money for Kane’s Krusade.
Photo credit: Jeffrey Byrnes Studio
CHICOPEE — Taking care of a dog can be costly and when dog owners are either elderly, disabled, veterans, domestic violence survivors or unhoused, it makes it more difficult for them to have the resources they need and their dogs end up in shelters.
Luckily, Kane’s Krusade is there to help with those potential financial burdens and is hosting an annual fundraising event to help keep family dogs with their owners.
Kane’s Pawsome 5K run/walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Szot Park, 687 Front St. with the race starting at 10:00 a.m.
The 2024 Pawsome 5K Run-Walk is open to the public. Dogs are encouraged, but must be leashed, vaccinated and friendly.
The event will feature food trucks, vendors, music, prizes for 5K participants in different age categories, good bags, $5 microchips, nail trims and raffles.
There will also be a Howl-o-ween costume contest for people and dogs with prizes.
Registration fees are $35 for adults and $25 for veterans, seniors and students. Kids 12 and under are free.
The first 75 dogs registered with a paid adult will receive an exclusive, commemorative dog tag.
Participants must pre-register at www.pawsome5k.com. The deadline to buy tickets are is Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. No tickets are sold day at the event.
All the proceeds will benefit Kane’s Krusade, an organization that was founded in 2011 by Kim George of East Longmeadow. The goal of the organization is to keep loved dogs with their forever families.
George said, “Our whole purpose is to keep loved dogs out of shelters and with their families. Our focus is not on rescuing dogs or boarding dogs or fostering them, what we do is we work directly with pet families are at risk for surrendering their dog and we direct the root causes of why they would have to give up their dog. That’s basically financial.”
Kane’s Krusade distributes food and equipment while sponsoring vet care, spay/neuter services, dog training, plus counseling and resources for dog-inclusive housing.
They also advocate for those with emotional support animals and service animals as well as veterans, domestic violence survivors and the unhoused.
Their three basic programs Kane’s offers are CARE kits, veterinarian funds and its pet family housing initiative.
All the funds raised at the event help those who need the financial assistance and George talked about how the money raised is utilized.
George said, “This is our largest fundraiser of the year, this is the big one so it really determines what services we’ll be able to offer next year in 2025 and how many dogs we’ll be able to help through our vet fund. This is year alone to date we have invested close to $40,000 just in vet care. For a small organization, that’s a huge accomplishment and that credit goes to our donors and supporters and fundraising events like the 5K are what make that possible next year.”
When it comes to the event itself, George said it is a great time for everyone, “It’s a fun family friendly event. People can out and get some exercise, bring their dogs, dress up with their dogs, we have great prizes with a ton of great vendors. It’s great for runners, it’s great for families and great for dog lovers and those who want to support the community.”
PeoplesBank is one of the top sponsors of the event and Corporate Responsibility and Social Media Vice President Chrissy Kiddy said, “PeoplesBank is proud to sponsor Kane’s Pawsome 5K. A tail-wagging road race for dogs and their hoomans, raising funds for a great cause. Just as we safeguard your financial future, we’re committed to protecting our furry friends and the community we serve because at PeoplesBank, it’s not just corporate responsibility, it’s a hooman responsibility.”
