Geoff Helisma

Around 150 people were treated to an afternoon of great music at Big River House Concerts on Sunday afternoon August 28.

Host Em Blereau said she had received positive feedback after the event.

“The people who usually come to the concerts thought it was the best they had attended … and they really liked the idea of the fundraiser for Happy Paws Haven; hopefully it will mean more volunteers for Sally Rogers, too.

Event emcee and performer Ryan Samson wrote in his invitation to the event that he was “super excited to ask you to join me as we raise some much-needed funds for volunteering at Happy Paws Haven”.

“I had a pretty rough trot at work a while back and it heavily impacted my mental health.

“Scrolling through Facebook I came across a post looking for help with the cats and dogs at Happy Paws Haven.

“In her own special way, Sally replied, ‘Why don’t you come and find out for yourself?’

“So I did, [and] I have been lucky enough to spend some super special times with the dogs and cats.

“Happy Paws has done a lot for me, and they sure do a lot for the animals and community members of the Clarence Valley.

“Dogs and cats don’t just need us today, but every day.”

And it was a significant surprise for Ms Rogers, who “didn’t know our new committee member and volunteer was so good”, when she experienced Samson’s performance.

“It was a great day,” she said, “the music from all of the performers was superb.

“About $1,500 was raised, including two generous donations of $200 and $50.

“We still have the raffle running until Father’s Day – tickets are available through the Happy Paws Haven Facebook site.”

Ms Blereau said that the floods were a motivation to host the event, “because we forget that people who have lost their homes and are living elsewhere might not be able to keep their animals with them”.

“Places like Happy Paws are under the hammer trying to accommodate an influx of pets and, as a consequence, they would need additional funding and donations, to not only feed but also to provide accommodation, cages, runs and playgrounds,” she said.

Performers Ryan Samson, Chris Staff and the group, Rock Force, donated their performances to the event.