RITCHIES and Rotary Mt Eliza are joining forces for a community event celebrating dogs and animal welfare.
‘Paws for a Cause’ will be held at Ritchies in Mt Eliza on 27 September from 10 am to 1 pm.
Local animal-welfare professionals, pet businesses, and the community will gather for a morning of competitions, entertainment, information, and activities.
Yvonne Simpson, community coordinator at Rotary Mt Eliza, said the event is a chance for the community to come together and have fun while supporting a good cause.
“We are particularly pleased to have animal-welfare and pet-care professionals involved, because the event is not just about having fun with our dogs – it is also about promoting their wellbeing and responsible ownership,” said Simpson.
Competitions on the day will include best dressed, owner and dog look-alike, best well-behaved, best trick, and an overall winner.
First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in each category.
The morning will also include face painting, a BBQ, in-store tasting, and entertainment.
Simpson said Ritchies often supports and sponsors Rotary events.
“It was a natural fit for us to be involved and to support them with this event,” said Simpson.
The event is being supported by Rotary Mt Eliza, Hey Pup Dog Trainer, Dogs Victoria, Paw Behaviour, Real Pet Food, Story Dogs, and Heeling Hounds.
Mayor Stephen Batty will be in attendance, as well as Tom Heeren, secretary of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia.
Entry to the competition is $5, with all proceeds going to Rotary Mt Eliza, which donated over $119,000 to local and international causes last year.
Simpson said anyone is welcome to get involved with Rotary and help make a difference in the community.
“We’ve got several members who are still working full time, and they fit in what they can when they can, and we do have retired members as well, of course,” said Simpson.
“The Rotary motto is, ‘Come as you are and do what you can’.”
She said Rotary Mt Eliza is the largest club in the area and has members ranging from aged 30 to 94.
“We’d love to have more people come and get involved, particularly with our environment committee,” said Simpson.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 September 2026
