ACS ‘PIGNIC IN THE PARK’ 2009

The Australian Cavy Sanctuary would like to invite you to be a part of our annual major animal awareness and fundraising event ’Pignic in the Park’. The 2009 ‘Pignic’ will be held Sunday 25th October 2009, from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Teralba Park which is located at the corner of Osborne Rd and Pullen Rd, Everton Park, Brisbane.

The ACS is a completely non-profit and non-funded community purpose organisation managed by a dedicated team of shelter managers and volunteers who are truly passionate about the welfare and public awareness of guinea pigs.

Our objectives are:

·         To educate the community on the correct care and humane treatment of guinea pigs.

·         A commitment to raising awareness and working to change the stereotypical low valued view guinea pigs have endured.

·         To supply aid and sanctuary to ill, injured, neglected, pregnant and found guinea pigs.

·         To re-home guinea pigs appropriately through adoption procedures maintained by the operation of shelters managed by ACS volunteers and staff.

·         To take whatever steps are necessary within the law to improve the quality of life, value and respect of all guinea pigs and to be the voice for those that are trapped in situations of abuse and mistreatment.

·         To support and actively endorse all aspects of animal welfare.

ACS shelters are overseen by Brisbane shelter manager and ACS Founder, Jessica Proietti. All managers of ACS shelters pay for all ongoing costs of managing their shelters from their own pockets. Regular costs include medical and vet bills, general care and feed bills, and other funds which may be spent on awareness displays and events.

 The long term goal for ACS is to expand and eventually raise enough funds to purchase land in order to build a fully operational large-scale small animal shelter.

In 2008, 1000's of guinea pigs were surrendered to the ACS Brisbane Shelter and several members of the public opened their doors and became new ACS Shelters or Affiliates once they realised how greatly sanctuary was needed and how far spread the overpopulation of guinea pigs was not only in Queensland but also interstate. In 2009, the numbers have doubled once again, reportedly due to an increase in both backyard breeding cases and rental related issues. Due to this, more ACS Shelter Affiliates opened their doors. This year all ACS Shelters have been struggling constantly at maximum capacity, with an average of 150 guinea pigs usually residing on the grounds.

The ACS ‘Pignic in the Park’ is an educational day where ACS and other organisations can bring forth products and information that are not always readily available on the market. For the kids there will be a Christmas twist, and other fun-filled educational games running throughout the day. For anyone passionate about their pets and to all those who have supported ACS or who have adopted guinea pigs through us, this event is definitely not to be missed.

In 2007, the ACS hosted our very first ‘Pignic’ and we had a fantastic response from the public, stallholders and the media. It was then decided that the event would be held annually, and we hope that in 2009 the event will have an even larger response again. Some stallholders that attended the event in 2008 included the RSPCA, Camp Hill and Samford Vets, Oxbow Hay Company, The Dapper Rat, Pet Cafe, Pet Rescue, Best Friends Rescue, Animal Liberation, and Animal Welfare League, along with band and stage entertainment.

The ACS has invited many like-minded organisations and stallholders to this event that we genuinely support. If your organisation would like to attend the 2009 ACS ‘Pignic in the Park’ please RSVP by October 1st 2009.  Early response will see your organisation promoted on all event leaflets/banners and through the media. ACS will be e-mailing stallholder information leaflets out to all attending, by early October. We encourage organisations attending to make use of the stage during the day. If you would like to present a speech about your organisation, an educational display or any form of entertainment please contact Jessica. Stage time slots of up to half an hour are available throughout the day.

ACS would like to thank all stallholders and organisations in advance who have accepted our invitation to attend this year’s event. Your enthusiasm and support is greatly appreciated.

Further information or enquiries:

Address: 69 Cashmere Lane, Cashmere Qld 4500

Email: australiancavysanctuary@hotmail.com

Phone/Fax: (07) 3882 1184

Mobile: 0431 966 054 

Yours Sincerely

Jessica Proietti

Australian Cavy Sanctuary Founder / Brisbane Shelter Manager / Event Co-Ordinator

(c) Copyright 2008, Australian Cavy Sanctuary. All rights reserved.