Walk 100km with your dog in October and support Samaritans’ mission of fewer lives lost to suicide.
Put your best paws forward for Samaritans this October!
Boost your wellbeing with regular exercise and quality time with your pup – it’s the perfect way to celebrate Mental Health Month!
As soon as you raise 20 quid, we’ll send you a free doggy hi-viz!
Raise awareness and funds to prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow could be too late.
Ready to get involved?
Register for Walkies For Wellbeing
How do I take part?
Register & Collect Donations
Your personal fundraising page is created when you register. Ask your friends and family to donate by sharing on Whatsapp, social media, email, etc. We'll send you a free doggy hi-viz when you raise 20 quid!
Get Walking!
Walk 100km throughout October – that’s 3-4km per day (or 4,000-6,000 steps). You can walk every day, most days, or go on epic weekend hikes – whatever works for you and your pooch.
Start fundraising to receive your free doggy hi-viz!
Raise €20 or more for an exclusive Samaritans dog coat
Walkies For Wellbeing FAQs
When will I receive my free doggy hi-viz?
Once you raise €20, we'll send your Walkies For Wellbeing fundraising pack, including your doggy hi-viz. Please allow 1-2 weeks for it to arrive.
Can I choose the size of my doggy hi-viz?
Yes! You can select the size of your doggy hi-viz when you register. You have 3 sizes to choose from:
SMALL: eg. Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles
MEDIUM: eg. Cockapoo, Border Collie
LARGE: eg. Labrador, German Shepherd
Unfortunately, we don't have reflective dog jackets for extra-small dogs (like Chihuahuas) or extra-large dogs (like Bernese Mountain Dogs). Of course, you can still take part and receive a doggy hi-viz. If it’s not quite the right size, feel free to pass it on to another pup in your life – we love a bit of regifting!
Can I get more than one doggy hi-viz?
The doggy hi-viz is a special thank-you gift for taking part, limited to one per fundraiser.
If you have multiple dogs and want all your pooches to show off their support, you have a number of other options!
- Encourage friends/family to register and fundraise!
Once you register, you can create a team and invite others to join you. Everyone on your team who personally fundraises receives a doggy hi-viz. - Buy Samaritans dog bandanas from our shop. Our official dog bandanas are just €5 each and fit most pooches (from small to large). Every purchase helps Samaritans be there for someone who’s struggling to cope.
- Be a Samaritans Top Dog! When you raise 500 or more, you'll receive a Samaritans LED dog collar and a Samaritans hoodie.
Can I return my doggy hi-viz if it doesn't fit?
We’re sorry it didn’t fit your four-legged friend! As the hi-viz is a special thank-you gift for taking part, we aren’t able to offer returns or exchanges.
If it’s not quite the right size, feel free to pass it on to another pup in your life – we love a bit of regifting!
If you’d still like your dog to show off their Samaritans support, our official dog bandanas fit most pooches (from small to large) and are available in our shop. Every purchase helps Samaritans be there for someone who’s struggling to cope.
What's in my fundraising pack?
Your fundraising pack includes some helpful resources to get you started, ideas to boost your fundraising, and a few fun extras to cheer you on.
It’ll land through your letterbox shortly after you raise €20 – just a little something to kickstart your challenge!
Your fundraising pack contains –
- 1 x doggy hi-viz in your chosen size (S, M, L)
- A Walkies tracker to plan/record your walks
- A Walkies For Wellbeing fundraising guide
How much do I have to raise?
There's no minimum fundraising requirement for the challenge. You can set any fundraising goal you like.
But if you raise €250 or more, we'll send you an exclusive Samaritans tote bag!
If you go above and beyond and raise €500 or more, we'll send you a Samaritans hoodie + a Samaritans LED dog collar!
Does my fundraising support local Samaritans branches?
Yes! By taking part in Walkies For Wellbeing, you're supporting our Branch Development Fund – helping local Samaritans branches across Ireland & Northern Ireland be there for your community.
Who can I contact for more information about Walkies For Wellbeing?
Please contact our Fundraising team: [email protected]