Animal Lover’s SPCA Cycle Marathon
Bermudian Clive Hook is letting himself go to the dogs — and the cats. Literally! This weekend animal lover Mr. Hook will embark on a 24-hour marathon cycle ride around the island to raise funds for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Keen bicyclist Mr. Hook, 47, says he hopes to raise $10,000 for the SPCA and cycle as much as 350 miles when he embarks on the charity’s “Paws to the Pedal” challenge on Friday afternoon.
The operations manager at Maxcem Cement, Mr. Hook has been cycling from his Paget home to Dockyard and back every day as part of his training for the charity event.
He recently told “The Bermuda Sun” he had always been a passionate advocate for animal welfare and had long supported the SPCA’s mission: “I have more time for animals than I have for humans. I have always had dogs and cats in my life.
“A big reason for choosing the SPCA is my old German Shepherd CJ. I had him since he was a puppy and he was the best companion a man could have.
“I have taken in four cats from the SPCA too and I’ve always tried to choose the older cats as they are the ones that have been in the shelter the longest.
“At the moment I can not have animals because my accommodation won’t allow it — but I really would love to have a dog again soon.”
Kim Sherlaw, SPCA director, told the newspaper: “The funds raised through Clive’s athletic endeavors to cycle for 24 hours will serve to benefit the shelter’s veterinary care of over 600 animals surrendered annually.
“The shelter spends on average $175 per animal to make sure that they are free from disease, properly vaccinated, tested, micro-chipped and spayed and neutered.
“His contribution to their care is immeasurable.”
“If the animals could express their gratitude to Clive they most certainly would.”
Tania Stafford, volunteer and events coordinator said: “The SPCA has had an active year already re-homing over 200 animals in 2011.
“We were delighted to be approached by Clive with such an innovative fundraising idea.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate the human animal partnership he shared with his German Shepherd CJ by raising funds for the island’s oldest animal charity.”
SPCA adoption coordinator Sarah Corday told Bernews: “Clive is doing this on his own accord and we hope that he raises enough money to make the pain and staying up all night worth it.
“He will start at the SPCA at 4pm on Saturday [Oct. 15] and finish back at the shelter at 4pm on Sunday. Clive is riding from the SPCA along Harbour Road-Front Street-Pitts Bay Road-St. John’s Road-Black Watch Pass-North Shore-Flatts-Harrington Sound Road-Clearwater Police Station (where he has to check in), then back the same way, then onto Harbour Road-Manse Road-Middle Road-Somerset Police Station (where he has to check in), and then back the same way. He will repeat the course about six times or ride for 24 hours — whichever comes first.”
If you would like to sponsor Mr. Hook contact the SPCA on 236-7333 or email tstafford@spca.bm
Donations can also be made on the SPCA website at www.spca.bm
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Kim Sherlaw, SPCA director, told the newspaper: “The funds raised through Clive’s athletic endeavors to cycle for 24 hours will serve to benefit the shelter’s veterinary care of over 600 animals surrendered annually.
“The shelter spends on average $175 per animal to make sure that they are free from disease, properly vaccinated, tested, micro-chipped and spayed and neutered.
“His contribution to their care is immeasurable.”
What portion of the funds that Clive and other donors contribute is used to euthanize animals surrendered to, or captured by, the SPCA annually? Or is the SPCA a “No Kill” shelter?