As the spring rodeo season in the United States gets underway University of Glasgow students are continuing one of the most colourful and spectacular frontier traditions, and all for charity on Saturday 30th April, the Garscube Estate, Bearsden 11am - 5pm. The Rodeo supports the local community by providing a day of fun and raising substantial funds for a range of charities.

The event is now the University of Glasgow's largest charity fundraiser and is one of Scotland's largest student fundraisers. What's more, it isn't just for cowboys and cowgirls. The Rodeo provides a day of education and fun while raising money for nominated charities.

The Rodeo is the Vet School's annual charity event that entertains and raises awareness of important animal welfare issues. It is organised and run by students who have actively gained the support and sponsorship from local and national companies.

All proceeds go to three very worthy causes, and this year's nominated charities are:

Pet Fostering Service Scotland, which provides care for pets whose owners are unable to. This is done through the devotion of the volunteer fosterers who take on the pets while their owners recover.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which provides training for dogs to assist deaf people by alerting them to sounds such as alarm clocks, doorbells, smoke detectors, phones and many more. Money raised by the Rodeo will help build a training centre for Scotland so people do not have to travel to Yorkshire to train with their dogs.
Scottish Wildlife Trust, which manages 125 reserves across Scotland, protects indigenous species and habitats, educates people and campaigns for Scottish wildlife. Current campaigns include Peatland conservation and the Water Vole Appeal.

There will be a dog show to enter your dogs in, a small animal show for other pets, dog agility, many displays such as falconry, the Scottish National Heelwork to music competition and then lots more fun and games!

Douglas McCarroll 2nd year Veterinary student, said: " The Rodeo last year was a phenomenal success raising a record £12,000 for the nominated charities. The day was spectacular with over 6000 visitors, double the previous year. Events this year included a dog show, pony rides, Clydesdales, huskies, falconry, bungee trampolines and a small animal show."

Raffle prizes include a 4 star weekend break in the Lake District, an I-pod shuffle, year's student bus pass, hi-fi and more. Tickets cost £1 and a donation will be given to Riding for the Disabled from the proceeds.

The event is open to everyone. Entry prices: adults £5, concessions £2.50, family ticket £10 and under 3s go free. Visit: http://www.gla.ac.uk/clubs/guvma/Rodeo

For more information contact: Douglas McCarroll, 2nd Year Veterinary Student, University of Glasgow, 07742525287 or Jenny Murray, Press officer, University of Glasgow, Tel: 0141 330 8593

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

The Rodeo has been an annual event of Glasgow University Veterinary School since the days of Buccleuch Street when it was a riding show. This year is the 45th anniversary of the Rodeo at the Garscube Estate.

First published: 25 April 2005