LAS VEGAS — SafeNest, Southern Nevada’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence, will host the third-annual Run for Hope 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) run and 1-mile fun run/walk at W. Wayne Bunker Family Park, 7351 W. Alexander Road.
Dogs are welcome at the 2021 Run for Hope and the event is dedicated to pets and the emotional support they provide for survivors of domestic violence. According to Safe Place for Pets, up to 65% of domestic violence victims are unable to leave their abuser because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave and 71% of victims report their pets are also being abused.
All funds raised will support SafeNest’s emergency shelter and pet services, including onsite pet housing, fostering, offsite kenneling, supplies and health/wellness exams.
“We are proud to support all survivors of abuse, including pets,” said Liz Ortenburger, chief executive officer for SafeNest. “By creating support services and space for pets, we can give survivors fleeing abuse more options for themselves and their beloved animal family members.”
In May, a $20,000 grant from RedRover, helped SafeNest expand its shelter services to include onsite pet boarding for cats and dogs. The nonprofit’s new pet housing plan made SafeNest part of the 17% of U.S. domestic violence centers that allow pets.
The expansion includes two stand-alone housing units equipped with air conditioning and heat: one to kennel up to eight dogs and one to kennel up to six cats at the nonprofit’s 24-7 confidential shelter.
SafeNest can also accommodate up to 10 emotional support animals and their owners in an existing modified building at shelter.
Register online at www.safenest.org. Walk-up registration starts at 7:00 a.m. at Bunker Park on race day. Runner packet pickup is scheduled for noon to 5:00 p.m. Oct. 13 to Oct. 15 at SafeNest headquarters, 2900 Meadows Lane.
Further race and donation information can be found at safenest.org/runforhope/.
ABOUT SAFENEST SafeNest is Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit agency dedicated to ending the epidemic of domestic violence in Clark County. Since opening its doors in 1977, SafeNest has answered over 500,000 hotline calls and sheltered over 20,000 individuals. Programs include: 24-hour domestic violence hotline, confidential shelter, protection order services, counseling, advocacy, court assistance and prevention education. For more information, visit www.safenest.org. For immediate help and support, call or text the 24/7 domestic violence hotline at 702-646-4981.
Media Contacts:
Laurie Cody, SafeNest Susan Somers, FM Marketing lcod@safenest.org susan@fmmpr.com
512-423-8857 702-249-9900