‘Push-Ups For Pets' Fundraiser To Benefit Wallingford Shelter Pets

WALLINGFORD, CT — (Contributed): local gym is providing some extra motivation for keeping New Year’s resolutions, while helping shelter pets at the same time.

Club 24 Concept Gyms’ location in Wallingford is holding “Push-ups for Pets,” a fundraiser for the Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter. The event is set for Jan. 28 from 9-11 a.m. at the gym’s 920 South Colony Road location.

For every consecutive push-up completed by a current or new gym member, Club 24 will donate $1 to Wallingford shelter pets, up to $1,000.

The gym is also holding a pet food drive for the Wallingford animals. While Club 24 members are encouraged to drop off a donation when they come for their workout, members of the public may also drop off donations in the gym lobby.

“This is a great reason for people to get back into their fitness routine or to start up at the gym this year,” Club 24 Regional Manager Val Nepomuceno said. “We’re happy we can support a great cause in our local community, and it’s a fun challenge for our gym members, whether they contribute with a few push-ups, or 50.”

Jackie Richo, president of the Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter, said the pets currently need canned food, dry food, and medium and large dog biscuits. Small bags of food are especially helpful for the shelter’s pet food pantry, which assists local pet owners going through tough times so they can keep their pets.

“Our group provides a lot of senior medical assessments for older pets, and we also provide microchips for all of the shelter pets, as well as a foster program,” Richo said. “We are in need of a sanitizing dishwasher right now, and also will be expanding our volunteer program in the spring with dog walking. So we’re very grateful to benefit from this fundraiser, and know it will result in a lot of wagging tails.”

Gym members can enter the push-up challenge for a suggested donation of $5, which will also be donated to the Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter.

For more information on Friends of the Wallingford Animal Shelter, visit their Facebook page. To learn more about Club 24, visit club24gyms.com.