Charity Zumbathon in support of SOS group

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KUCHING: A group of 19 Zumba instructors from various gyms, dance studios and fitness centres around Kuching will dance their hearts out to raise funds for the Save Our Strays (SOS) vonlunteer group.

Victor (second row, centre) together with Su (second row, left), Peter Tan (third right) and other Zumba instructors want public to join them to dance for a good cause. — Photo by Chimon Upon.

The largest gathering of Zumbathon Superstars Kuching will take place on Aug 31 at the Hills Shopping Mall from 2pm to 4pm.

Organising spokesperson Victor Druce of Glam Empire Fitness Studio highlighted to a press conference that the objective was to support the efforts and works of SOS in its operations.

“We believe this could be the largest Zumbathon event organised,” he said.

“Moreover, we also hope to raise awareness on the importance of neutering pets that is essential to control overpopulation,” he added.

It is organised in collaboration with Hills Shopping Mall together with various gyms, dance studios and fitness centres including Exhilarate, Amber Studio, Yoga Region, Viva La’Vida, Phoenix Gym, Gym Box among others.

The organiser is inviting the public to join the Zumbathon and support the good work of SOS in helping the strays.

Tickets priced at RM20 will be on sale from July 28.

“All money raised from this event will go directly to funding SOS in carrying out their rescue works,” he said.

“We are targeting to sell 400 tickets,” he added.

Meanwhile, SOS volunteers Shirley Su and Sim Swee Sia pointed out that financial support and active community participation were an essential part of their volunteer journey.

SOS-Kuching is a non-profit all volunteer group which was formed just two years ago where members volunteer their time to help the strays in its aim to control overpopulation and reduce homeless animals.

“The major part of our operations involved trapping, neutering, vaccination, feeding and caring for the strays before releasing them back to the streets,” Su explained.

“We don’t have a shelter and that’s why they have to be released,” she said.

But more importantly, Su emphasised the need to educate the community on neutering and spaying pets and animals that will effectively help to reduce number of strays and unwanted litters as well as make the animals healthier.

At present, she revealed that there were only about 15 active volunteers in the group.

“We definitely need more volunteers including veterinarians to provide neutering and spaying services; foster homes to care for animals especially the sick and injured and helping them find a permanent home, as well as donations in cash and kinds such as pet foods,” she said.

Hills Shopping Mall managing director Peter Tan said that this was part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and pledged his support for the event and SOS-Kuching.

“We hope the public will come together to dance and have fun while supporting a good cause,” he added.

For more information about the Zumbathon Superstar Kuching, SOS-Kuching or to purchase tickets, contact Victor at 010-9618961, Alexius of Exhilarate (019-8387187), Dirgy of Viva La’Vida (013-3770208) and Amber Studio (012-8546312).

Tickets will also be available at participating studios, gyms, and fitness centres.