Queensland Chief Entrepreneur backs the Virtual Pet Parade To raise funds for Therapy Dogs in Hospitals
With the current COVID-19 restrictions, the annual shows across the West Moreton Region
will not be opening their gates physically this year.
Thankfully, the Pet Parade will go on…Virtually.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF), the official Hospital Foundation of West Moreton Health
has teamed up with several Show Societies to bring the very first Virtual Pet Parades to
communities across West Moreton to Ipswich, Esk, Boonah, Toogoolawah, Lowood, Kalbar,
Rosewood, Laidley, and Gatton.
They have pivoted the much-loved Pet Show into a virtual parade everyone can participate
in at home.
It’s a celebration of all pets, whether they be dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, rats, you name it.
To enter, simply submit a picture of your pet and share how they have helped you and your
wellbeing through the COVID-19 restrictions at www.ihfoundation.org.au/pet_parade/
Queensland Chief Entrepreneur is celebrating organisations who are pivoting, persevering
and even pirouetting through COVID-19 and commends the Foundation for their efforts to
bring the community together during this challenging time.
Leanne Kemp, Founder and CEO of Everledger and Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
(pictured) says, “Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows how amazing animals can be in
our lives. They love unconditionally, they are there through good and bad, and even when
they’re in the naughty corner, they can still tug the heartstrings with a cute look!
“I was excited to hear that this year’s parade could still go ahead with the Virtual Pet
Parade. It’s a genius way to bring our communities together in a new, virtual way and still
experience the fun and connectivity that comes from the traditional parade.
“Research shows that looking at cute pet pics stimulates the brain to be calmer and
even improves our attention and focus, so while we can’t all get together in person while COVID19 continues, we can still benefit from the Virtual Pet Parade and the incredible way pets help us.
“I’m looking forward to seeing pets from all across Queensland being celebrated for how they’ve helped during the restrictions whether it be as an assistance or therapeutic pet or a much-loved part of the family,” Ms Kemp said.
The Pet Parade is not only celebrating pets, but it is also raising awareness of the therapeutic benefits animals can have on mental health too.
Plus, all money raised during the events will go towards putting more Therapy Dogs into Hospitals across the West Moreton Health region.
James Sturges, CEO of IHF, the Official Foundation for West Moreton Health says, “Therapy Dogs bring smiles and joy to patients, family and staff at West Moreton Hospitals.
“Therapy Dogs have a paws-itive impact on social, emotional, and physiological health, improving quality of life and overall well-being,” Mr Sturges said.
“Even a $5 donation, less than the cost of a show bag, will all add up to getting more paws to shake and creating smiles on our patients’ faces,” Mr Sturges said.
Thanks to the great support of IHF, Show Societies, Sponsors, and the Regional Hospitals of West Moreton, Esk, Gatton, Laidley and Boonah, the finalists for each show will be live-streamed and the winners will take home an official Show Society Ribbon and some �paw-some’ prizes.
To enter your pet, make a donation and to find out more about the pivots of the Foundation, visit the Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s Website or direct link to www.ihfoundation.org.au/pet_parade/
