Royal Australian Navy Sailors Host Fund Raising Event

Over $2500 was raised in a fun filled evening recently at HMAS Cerberus where 227 sailors hosted a fund raising event in support of Oscar’s Law, a charity committed to abolishing factory farming of companion animals.

Popular Geelong based band, ‘The North Shore’ donated their musical skills for the night in aid of the charity. The band re-formed just for the occasion and donated their fee to the Oscar’s Law cause.

Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus, Captain Katherine Richards, is a firm advocate of sailors engaging with their community and sees many examples of them championing worthy causes in their own time.

“Navy has a proud history of supporting our communities wherever we are. This is another fine example of our sailors reaching out to strengthen relationships and living by our core values,” Captain Katherine Richards said.

Oscar’s Law President, Debra Tranter who is passionate about the plight of companion animals bred in inhumane conditions has campaigned strongly to raise awareness and change current laws governing the breeding and care of companion animals.

“I am thrilled and overwhelmed at the generosity HMAS Cerberus has given Oscar’s Law,” Ms Tranter said.

“Every day more and more people are finding out the truth about how we factory farm our pets in this country, I am honoured that the Navy has joined our campaign to help raise public awareness and stop the puppy trade.”

The foundation’s namesake, ‘Oscar’, also put in an appearance at the fundraiser and in a venue full of ‘tough guys’, little Oscar melted hearts everywhere he went.

Oscar was saved from a puppy factory in central Victoria where he and a number of other dogs had been severely neglected and has been cared for since by volunteers.

Given the success of the event, the Anchorage Club of HMAS Cerberus is considering adopting Oscar’s Law as its official charity.

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Naval Today Staff , March 08, 2012; Image: navy