December is usually the busiest month in Goa for the tourism industry. This year however, owing to the economic downturn and terrorist threats, the season looks to be a challenging one for everybody. Luckily the fall in tourist numbers has not meant that International Animal Rescue is short of volunteers. Quite the contrary in fact, this season we seem to be welcoming more helping hands than ever before.
One such volunteer is Jamie Alcock who approached us with the view of arranging a fundraising event in the North Goan village of Mandrem. The event took place on 15 December and was part of a fair organised by the residents of the village. There were stalls and exhibitions and various activities for people to get involved in.
Jamie who is also a painter had a stall selling his paintings as well as a coconut throwing stall. Proceeds from the coconut throwing were donated to International Animal Rescue as well as a percentage of every painting sold. Volunteers Chelsea and Maria joined Jamie to lend a helping hand at the event and their initiative and efforts raised RS 2023/-.
As well as raising money the event also created awareness about the work of IAR and many people showed interest in the organisation and went away with material to read. This part of a fundraiser is as important as raising funds since it is through awareness that the organisation gains support from people visiting Goa. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising.
The amount raised during this event is sufficient to sterilise and vaccinate four male dogs or to feed 15 dogs for one week and we continue to make people aware that a seemingly modest donation can go a very long way in helping the lives of several animals.
International Animal Rescue would like to thank Jamie, Chelsea and Maria for their help and initiative in organising and partaking in this event.