Waggy races: Charity partners
Waggy Races has a charity partner rather than being principally a charity event. After each race we make a donation to our charity partner (currently K9 Search and Rescue NI). Previously we have partnered with Guide Dogs NI and Aaron's Army (the registered charity of Team Kerr). Below is a little bit about each charity and our association with them!
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K9 Search & Rescue NI This amazing charity was recommended to us in the run up to the Portrush 5k and we were very proud to make our first donation to them after the race. K9 Search and Rescue NI train air scenting and victim recovery dogs to search for vulnerable people at the request of HM Coastguard and families. We're very excited to be involved with them (it's hard to beat a dog wearing goggles riding in a helicopter) and hopefully we'll see a few of these awesome dogs at our next race! |
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The National Trust The first ever Waggy Races took place at the National Trust property Castle Ward in March 2014. Since then, the Trust has hosted us many more times at Mount Stewart, Murlough Bay and at Portstewart Strand and they’ve very kindly provided helpers and marshals for our races. After each event at a National Trust venue we make a donation to the Trust or buy them something dog related for their venue! |
Aaron's Army (Team Kerr)
Aaron's mum Sandra and terrier Max were one of the first teams ever to enter Waggy Races for the Castle ward 5k in March 2014 and were ever present before the formation of 'Team Kerr'. For anyone who doesn’t know, Team Kerr are an assisted running team from Co Down who run in events from 5k to marathon distance while pushing son Aaron in his custom made wheelchair. They’ve notched up thousands of racing miles all over Ireland and beyond, including over 30 marathons. This is all with the aim of promoting inclusion among the running community. Their registered charity - Aaron’s Army raised funds to purchase jogging chairs to donate to people with disabilities. As well as marshalling, Team Kerr has also competed at Waggy Races en masse on Portstewart Strand.
Unfortunately midway through 2020, the Kerr family made the tough decision to close the charity as the jogging wheelchairs they raised money for were no longer made. Not one to rest on their laurels, who knows what is next for this very charming and popular family from Hillsborough, Co Down!
Aaron's mum Sandra and terrier Max were one of the first teams ever to enter Waggy Races for the Castle ward 5k in March 2014 and were ever present before the formation of 'Team Kerr'. For anyone who doesn’t know, Team Kerr are an assisted running team from Co Down who run in events from 5k to marathon distance while pushing son Aaron in his custom made wheelchair. They’ve notched up thousands of racing miles all over Ireland and beyond, including over 30 marathons. This is all with the aim of promoting inclusion among the running community. Their registered charity - Aaron’s Army raised funds to purchase jogging chairs to donate to people with disabilities. As well as marshalling, Team Kerr has also competed at Waggy Races en masse on Portstewart Strand.
Unfortunately midway through 2020, the Kerr family made the tough decision to close the charity as the jogging wheelchairs they raised money for were no longer made. Not one to rest on their laurels, who knows what is next for this very charming and popular family from Hillsborough, Co Down!
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Guide Dogs NI
Our first charity partner! Waggy Races supported Guide Dogs NI from 2014 to 2017 and the Guide Dogs stall was commonplace at our events along with vociferous vocal support from the Guide Dogs NI team during this time. In September 2014, Labrador Ushi made history by becoming the first Guide Dog to complete Waggy Races, safely guiding Torie Tennant round a tricky and very hilly Tollymore Forest 5k and picking up the 'Spirit of Waggy Races' award in the process. The Guide Dogs NI team also had the unenviable high pressure task of judging the Christmas Special 'Spirit of Waggy Races' best dressed award at Castle Ward in December 2015. |