Funds to help rehome Hedland pets

Hedland residents might have been the ones dining out and sashaying in smart outfits last Saturday, but local cats and dogs proved to be the real winners.

Attending rescue group Saving Animals From Euthanasia’s second annual Blue Collar Dinner, guests sang along to live music, bid for door prizes, including paintings and weekend getaways, and nibbled on dog-themed biscuits.

Along the way they raised $10,000 for SAFE.

Foster carer and retiring committee member Jodie Bennett said the night was critical because all funds went back into supporting the non-profit group to rehome abandoned cats, dogs and even goats.

“We couldn’t do what we do if we didn’t have volunteers and donations from the community, ” she said.

“SAFE are very grateful to the community for supporting what we do.”

As well as encouraging guests to enjoy the night’s revelry and part with their money in aid of a good cause, Ms Bennett sent out a reminder that SAFE is short of volunteer foster carers and case managers.

“It is tough being a foster carer, you shed lots of tears when you say goodbye to (the animals you look after), ” she said.

“(However, you know) they are going to a new and better home, and then you are free to save the next one.

“So if anyone is ever thinking of foster caring … it certainly is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.”

For more information and photos of the night, visit the SAFE Hedland Facebook page.