PAWS People & Animal Welfare Society was created in the year 2000 and incorporated in the year 2004. PAWS is essentially a community group attracting mostly vegan/vegetarian members, supporters and volunteers who feel inspired by the goals and purposes of the society. PAWS represents the culture of non-violence and PAWS members try to exemplify this principle in their day to day lives. Anyone who comes in contact with PAWS has the opportunity to become more aware of the value animal welfare holds for human society and how a meat free diet is the best choice to alleviate animal suffering, help to protect the environment, and to bring goodness to people.

People & Animal Welfare Society Inc adopted a three stage development plan for expanding its operations. The development plan was estimated to be a fifteen year breakdown of the projected growth of the society in Western Australia with each stage having a set of goals to be achieved over five years. The first five years called for modest growth, the next five years suggests a substantially expanded organisation, and the third five year period sees PAWS reach a comprehensively expanded and mature stage. The goal for PAWS after the fifteen year plan is to maintain its form as a structurally and financially mature society while encouraging similar projects and expansion into other states.

The first five year period dubbed ‘formative’ has been an interesting and challenging time for People & Animal Welfare Society Inc. PAWS is maintaining a very modest Community Resource Centre, Our centre provides a one-stop shop for any true inspiring environmentalist, WA’s first Cruelty Free Shop, seminar room as well as our food distribution program now open 7days a week 11am to 8pm demonstrating the ability to help one living being with out exploiting another in the process

PAWS runs a mobile commercial kitchen to raise funds through vegan catering. As well as regular catering events. Every Saturday morning another PAWS supporter opens an organic fruit and vegetable market in our Community Resource Centre. Some PAWS supporters are involved in street teams and animal rights campaigns, and also ‘Club PAWS’ is being set up at universities.

PAWS provides a community centre that addresses social isolation and provides support and training to members of our community that are struggling to find an opportunity.

PAWS is working with the City of Bayswater to establish a Community Garden It is worth mentioning that the progress PAWS has made has been entirely through the help of volunteers.

People & Animal Welfare Society cordially invites you to our Christmas in July dinner; this is the best represented dinner of the year, this year PAWS will be offering a traditional English style Christmas including a menu of nut roast, crunchy roast potatoes and veg as well as christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Each year we have a special appearance from Santa PAWS, live music, Christmas decorations, Christmas candles, bon bons, Christmas hats and whistles to ensure the mood is enjoyed by all.

But how did this festival originate?

As he quietly listened to his guests, an idea crystalized in his mind. Garry recalled his childhood and the stories his own Irish father Bill, used to tell him, of a white Christmas. He thought about the traditional Christmas cards that so many Australians send and receive, depicting the images of a Northern Hemisphere Christmas. There were sleigh rides, and frosted windows, and Christmas feasts of turkey and hams and mince pies with steaming plum pudding and choiristers joining together singing the joys of the festive season. And of course, there was always a snowman. With these images in his mind, Garry offered to re-create for his Irish guests a similar festive Christmas atmosphere at Mountain Heritage… they were excited and very enthusiastic about the idea.

Preparations for the great feast were in full swing, with the hanging of decorations throughout the hotel, even a Christmas tree found and trimmed. Over the weeks of planning, many curious guests enquired as to all the activity… they thought it was some kind of Irish joke – you just don’t have Christmas in the middle of the year!

Garry explained the significance of the occasion, that a traditional Christmas feast with all the trimmings, was soon to happen for a group of homesick Irish people. Word began to spread far and wide of this most unusual “out-of-season” festive event at Mountain Heritage and enquiries from other interested parties, who also wanted to enjoy such a wonderful original occasion, began flowing in.

Thus it came to pass, “Christmas in July” was born on a cold wintry night at the Mountain Heritage in the Blue Mountains NSW!

At PAWS the tradition has continued and become known as a great night of entertainment so come and  experience the excitement of a traditional northern hemisphere Christmas Celebration at our Community Resource Centre .

Where: PAWS – Community Resource Centre

Address: 120 Beaufort Street cnr of Aberdeen Perth/Northbridge

When: Saturday 3rd of July
, 6.30pm onwards

Who: everyone is invited, feel free to bring along family &/or friends
. Bookings essential.

Cost: $55

Contact: Jo Louise (08) 9228-2435 for bookings.