AWLQ’s Stray Animals’ Day challenge has just hours to go and $78,000 to raise money for its lifesaving Foster House program.

“We are coming right down to the wire and need the community’s help to make this happen,” AWLQ State Rehoming Manager Melinda Phipps said.

Since the challenge was launched by Ambassador, Gold Coast Titan Chris McQueen 12 days ago more than 500 people have donated, raising more than $50,000 to cover the cost of running AWLQ’s Foster House program which last year was $124,000.

“The community has been incredibly generous, from an anonymous donation of $15,000 to many $10 and $20 pledges,” Ms Phipps said.

“A $5 pledge, the cost of a cup of coffee, will make a difference to the lives of animals in need.

“With nearly 6,200 animals, or 71% of all animals in AWLQ’s care spending time in foster care each year, every little bit helps.”

Animal Welfare League Queensland continues to be a leader in animal rehoming. In July last year AWLQ included treatable conditions to the list of reasons an animal will never be euthanised.

“Our promise to you is that we will never euthanise a healthy, sociable animal with a treatable condition, whatever its age,” AWLQ CEO Denise Bradley said.

“Most people on the Gold Coast have either adopted from us, or know someone who has.

“We now have just 38 hours to reach our target and we’re asking anyone who supports us, follows us on social media or knows the lifesaving work that we do to please donate.”

The AWLQ Foster House program is a lifesaving program that sees sick, injured, young and old animals spend time in a family home for days, weeks, sometimes months.

While it costs, on average $20 for each animal, for many the bill is much higher as they require ongoing medical treatment.

“For newborn kittens and puppies this is a lifesaving program that enables them to survive, thrive and come back to us well socialised and ready for a new home,” Ms Phipps said.

Funds raised will go directly toward the cost of care for these animals and are tax deductible.

International Stray Animals’ Day is on Tuesday, April 4. Donations can be made from launch day at – awlqld.com.au/sad.