Saturday morning students and Statesboro citizens can stretch their legs with their dogs for a good cause in the “All Paws for a Cause 5k run/walk.”

The “All Paws for a Cause 5k” run has attendees run or walk with their dogs to support the Statesboro Humane Society and Julie Barnes Horse Rescue. The run is organized by GSU Future Veterinarians of America group.

“(FVA is) thinking of ways we could help local, non-profit animal organizations like the Humane Society and Julie Barnes Horse Rescue, and we thought a run-walk with your dog would be tons of fun and relevant,” Shelbe Harry, organizer of the event, president of GSU’s FVA and senior biology major, said.

Check-in begins Saturday at 7 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and the run will begin at 9 a.m. outside the Recreation Activity Center. Registration is $20 before the day of the race and $25 on the day of.

“Non-profit organizations like these need all the help they can get. We felt like we needed to do something to help them out,” Harry said.

“This is a huge fundraiser benefitting organizations that require community involvement to be successful. Any help we can give them counts,” Kelly Gagel, FVA advisor and academic advisor in the College of Science and Mathematics, said.

Attendees are not required to have a dog or pet with them, Harry said.

“I’m going to the run because charities like these are extremely worthwhile to our community. This is a great way to give back while having fun running with your dog,” Johanne Lewis, assistant professor of biology at GSU, said.

FVA aims to help pre-veterinarian students complete their degrees and promote animal rights.

“I think through this FVA will be able to get to know the students and our community better and do some good at the same time,” Gagel said.

Shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as well as snacks for the runners, Harry said.

“I think things like this leave a mark on the community in a very positive way,” David Cano, junior biology major, said. “I’ll take any opportunity I can to give back to the community I live in.”