This August, the UK’s very first Wagathon™, a 9K walking challenge for dogs raising money for other dogs, is taking place. In a unique twist, the dogs taking part will be the ones signing up and being sponsored, rather than the owner. The fundraising platform Give as you Live Donate is behind the campaign and asking owners to register their furry friends in order to give dog charities in the UK a much-needed fundraising boost.  

The goal of the Wagathon™ campaign is to collectively raise a whopping £1 million for dog charities, and to reach this target, Give as you Live is calling for canine contenders to get involved. Although dog-owners will be the ones choosing a charity to support and registering their furry companion, the dogs themselves will be the ones being sponsored and completing the Walk 9K for K9s challenge.  

Whether the chosen charity supports vulnerable dogs living in shelters, dog welfare, or training assistance dogs, Give as you Live Donate wants to ensure that vital funds are raised to support the ongoing work of all the much-needed charities. Fundraising is even more important this year due to the limited opportunities there have been recently as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Annabelle Risdon, Director and Head of Partnerships at Give as you Live, commented: 

‘The pandemic has impacted hundreds of dog-related charities resulting in thousands of lost donations to help support vital canine welfare. Our Wagathon™ initiative provides an opportunity for these charities to boost their donation drives this summer. The mission is to ensure all dog charities are supported in their quest to increase donations after such a difficult period.’  

To be involved in Give as you Live Donate’s Wagathon™ mission to raise a million, dog owners can sign up their pooches for a national Walk 9K for K9s challenge. Participants need to complete the 9k walk on the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 28th August to Monday 30th August. For dogs who might struggle with the distance, the walk can be spread across the weekend. 

Alongside the Wagathon™ campaign and in celebration of National Dog Day, which takes place on Thursday 26th August 2021, Give as you Live Donate will also be running an online competition. Dog owners could be in with a chance of winning a £100 donation for a dog charity of their choice and a £100 hamper full of treats and goodies for their dog! 

If you are a dog owner who would like to join the Wagathon™ mission and help raise much-needed funds for a chosen charity, sign your pooch up here.