Annual Christmas appeal launch at Government House

26 October 2023

RSPCA WA is drawing on over 130 years of history for the launch of its biggest fundraiser of the year.

This weekend, the State’s largest and oldest animal welfare charity will be at the Government House Open Day to meet members of the public and call for donations for its annual Guardian Angel Appeal.

RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave said Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for the organisation.

‘Nationally over 17,000 animals rely on the RSPCA for help over the festive period,’ Mr Cave said.

‘With increasing calls for help from people feeling the impacts of cost-of-living and the housing crisis, this Christmas, more than ever, we are relying on the generosity of animal loving West Australians to ensure every animal in our care receives the vet treatment, comfort and love they deserve.’

RSPCA WA receives some funding from the State Government to help run its inspectorate services but needs to raise around $9.5M a year to keep its doors open and to deliver its rescue, rehabilitation, medical, rehoming, community outreach, and education programs.

‘Responding to animal cruelty reports is just the start of the journey – from there an animal can spend months in our care receiving vet and behavioural treatment as we prepare them for adoption. The costs add up very quickly.’

Mr Cave said the organisation’s history with WA Governors goes back a long way.

‘In 1893, just a year after the West Australian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established, the then Governor, His Excellency Sir William Cleaver Francis Robinson, became Patron,’ Mr Cave said.

‘Every State Governor since has given their patronage to RSPCA WA, including His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson who has been a wonderful support.

‘Additionally, we were the first Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals outside of the UK to receive Royal Patronage, offered by King George V.’

At this weekend’s Government House event, RSPCA WA will showcase its 130-year-old history and hand out hundreds of showbags to people who choose to become Guardian Angels this Christmas.

They will be joined by national partner Royal Canin which feeds the dogs and cats in RSPCA shelters across Australia and who will supply sample packs to everyone that comes to say hello.

They will also have angel wings on hand so donors can have a photo with our giant cat and dog portraits, all in the beautiful gardens of Government House.

The Government House Open Day runs on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free.

To become a Guardian Angel to animals in need this Christmas, go to rspcaguardianangel.com.au.

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