This March, South Aussies will have the chance to double their impact for animals in need, as the annual Animal Welfare League SA Giving Day returns for just 24 hours next Thursday.
On March 19th, every donation made to Animal Welfare League South Australia will be matched dollar-for-dollar by giving partners, doubling the support for vulnerable pets across the state. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small donation or something bigger, every dollar during the campaign will go twice as far to help animals needing urgent care.
Each month, hundreds of stray, lost and abandoned animals arrive at AWL shelters across the state. Many are injured, frightened or require immediate medical treatment, relying on the organisation’s veterinary teams, volunteers and foster carers to help them out and give them a second chance.
“Every animal who comes through our doors deserves the opportunity to have safety, comfort and a second chance,” shared AWL CEO Jodi Walton. “Giving Day is about urgency and hope. For 24 hours, our community can double their impact and help us provide critical vet treatment, food, shelter and love to animals who have nowhere else to turn.
“We’re 100 per cent community funded. That means every donation on Giving Day directly supports the animals relying on us right now.”
One animal whose life has already been transformed through AWL’s care is dog Calvin, who arrived at the shelter with a severe and untreated injury.
Radiographs revealed a badly bowed femur, likely caused by an old fracture that had never healed correctly. The injury would have left him in constant pain. The only way to give him a pain-free future was to amputate the affected leg.
The dedication of AWL’s veterinary team and the support of the community meant Calvin underwent surgery and has since made a recovery. Now he’s thriving, enjoying a life filled with play, affection and comfort.
Sadly, stories like Calvin’s are not rare. Thousands of animals are seen by AWL every year, many requiring emergency surgery, rehabilitation, foster care and rehoming before they can start a new chapter.
This year’s Giving Day will also honour the legacy of the late Barbara Fitzsimmons, whose family has chosen to support the campaign in her memory. Her sister Beryl, niece Annette and great-niece Melanie will attend as VIP guests, witnessing first-hand how their loved one’s legacy continues to help animals in need.
In 2026, Giving Day gives animal lovers across the state a chance to get involved and help make a life-changing difference.
For more information, click here.
