Veterinarians International Hosting Inaugural Walk-A-Thon

Veterinarians International (VI) – a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide veterinary aid and education to improve the health and well-being of animals and their communities worldwide – is presenting its first-ever global walk-a-thon called “Healthy Steps for Healthy Pets.”

“I am thrilled for the launch of our inaugural Healthy Steps Walk-A-Thon, especially given the fact that we are in the middle of an animal-borne pandemic, where we need to remember that care for animals means care for all,” stated Dr. Scarlett Magda, VI Founding President.

This worldwide walk-a-thon invites both people and their pets to walk 0.5 miles at any time on Saturday, October 3 to raise funds in order to provide veterinary care to pets of impoverished families in Chile, rescued baby elephants and wildlife in Sri Lanka and baby chimpanzees in Liberia.

“Please join us for a walk with your pet,” said Dr. William Karesh, wildlife veterinarian and Founding Board Member. “You’ll be helping VI improve the health of animals and people around the world and end the day being a little more healthy and happy too.”

A number of notable names have already pledged their support towards the cause, including Christie Brinkley, American model, actress and entrepreneur; Delfina Blaquier, co-founder of Acheval Pampa; American actress Christine Evangelista; fashion icon Steven Klein and DJ Alexandra Richards, who has created a special Spotify playlist for the event.

The Healthy Steps for Healthy Pets initiative aims to raise awareness for animal-human health and $250,000 in funds. Registration begins at $25 and participants may also create their own fundraising teams.

The top fundraiser will win the Grand Prize of a portrait photoshoot by fashion photographer Steven Klein and the second highest fundraiser will win a two-night stay at The Baker House Inn 1650 in East Hampton. The first ten fundraisers that raise over $6,000 will win a zoom cooking class with world famous chef, David Burke.

All participants are encouraged to join the movement on social media by posting pictures during the walk-a-thon using the hashtag #HealthyStepsForHealthyPets.

For more information, visit www.healthystepsforhealthypets.com and vetsinternational.org.