Fundraising for Animals

* 🌏 **MELBOURNE → WOMBAT FOREST** 🏙️ * 📅 **SUN 15 FEB, DAY TRIP ☀️** * **Walk, float, taste, breathe — in nature.** * \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### 🌿 Embark on a Day Trip to Wombat Forest! 🌿 Discover the stunning beauty of **Wombat Forest** as you explore its natural wonders. This exciting day trip features scenic **hikes** through lush forests, a picnic and **fruit platter**, awe-inspiring lookouts, **meditation** & grounding, **kayaking**, and a visit to a **winery** for tastings or a scenic viewpoint. Enjoy a leisurely drive, wander along picturesque trails, and savor delicious food throughout the journey! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What’s Included?** *(All-Inclusive for $99!)* ✅ Round-trip **transport** in a comfortable **MERCEDES minivan** 🚐 ✅ Guided **9 km hike** with an elevation gain of 170m 🥾 ✅ Unlimited **snacks, soft drinks, coffee & tea** ☕ ✅ Fresh **Fruit** Platter 🍉 ✅ **Meditation** & grounding 🧘 ✅ **Picnic lunch stop** with great company 🧺 ✅ **Kayaks**🛶 + all gears🛶 ✅ Visit **stunning scenic lookouts** 🌄🦘 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- #### 🕒 Itinerary: 🌅 7:30 – Pickup at **St Paul’s Cathedral**, Flinders Street 🚐 8:00 – Quick **stop/break** 🍜 9:00 – Welcome **morning coffee/tea** & snacks (included!) 🥾 9:15 – Easy **Hiking** adventure (9 km, 170m elevation) 🍽️ 12:30 – **Picnic**+**Fruit platter,** with unlimited drinks & snacks (BYO lunch welcome) 🧘 14:30 — **Meditation & grounding** 🛶 13:30 – **Kayaking** time on beautiful **Lake** (beginner friendly) 🌇 15:30 – **Stunning Lookout** 🌄 16:00 – **Winery - tasting or view scenery** 🏙️ 18:30 – Depart back to **Melbourne**, filled with memories! 📍 Drop-off: **Hammer Hall**, Melbourne \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **💰 How to Book?** Secure your spot with a **$99 transfer**: 🔹 **PayID:** 0414 661 458 🔹 **Bank Transfer:** **NAME:** KARAPETIAN G **BSB:** 013233 **ACCOUNT:** 226325836 **Ref:** WF 🌟 **Limited spots available—RSVP now!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ❗️**Please Note:** **Payments are only credited or refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer.** In all other circumstances, payments are **non-refundable and non-transferable**. ❗️Thank you for understanding and supporting the planning involved in creating these experiences! 🌿 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎒 What to Bring?** ✔️ **Comfortable hiking shoes (or able to supply, let me know size)** **✔️ Wind/water-resistant jacket**🧥 ✔️ **Long pants & long sleeves** 🌿 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **Hat/beanie** 🧢 ✔️ **BYO lunch** 🍽️ (or can buy on the way) ✔️ **A positive mindset & big smile!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 📢 **Questions?** Feel free to **DM me anytime!** 📩 ✨ **Let’s make this an adventure to remember** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Visit our sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/812911556223655/?ref=share Instagram: nogeography.hike.kayak https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/no-geography-hike-and-kayak/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Credited or refunded only if the event is canceled/moved. Non-refundable in any other cases \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * **A day in nature is a day well spent** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **LIABILITY WAIVER** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms. ## **COVID-19 Safety Measures** * The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. * Please do not attend if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or sore throat. * If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending. * Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community safe!

Hello Minimalists! We are back to our regularly scheduled monthly meetups! If you have stuff to declutter, bring it around and see if anyone could give it a new home. Anything left over we can donate it at the op-shop after we are done at the cafe. Looking forward to chatting about what's been going well in our minimalist journeys and share tips and tricks! P.S. We always appreciate a gold coin donation to help with the cost of the meetup fees (until we figure out a low cost-alternative to Meetup).

Friendly game of five a side indoor football (soccer). Indoor trainers/boots. No studs. Played on timber floor. Bibs will be supplied. Game Rules: Kick ins from the side. Goal keeper must throw the ball out when the ball goes behind. No slide tackles. After each goal a spot kick is taken and the opposing team must stand behind the white line (you'll understand when you get there). Keeper rotates every 6 minutes. If you need to pull out of the game for any reason, please RSVP no and then message the event so that another can potentially fill your spot. Please note that you should do this at least 48 hours (the sooner the better) before the game to allow the chance for someone to take your spot. If we are unable to fill the spot then I will not be able to refund you. Thank you.

**Tickets:** [https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-crafting-social-byo-project](https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-crafting-social-byo-project) Please join us for some crafting and socialising at the Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub, in the Clara Southern meeting room. Your host, Ben, is a mental health professional & experienced group facilitator who's passionate about bringing people together to socialise and make new friends. Bring your own materials for a project that isn't too messy; i.e. no paint - we need to keep the floor and table clean and free of stains. If you're more of a socialite and less of a crafter, please feel free to join us anyway; some great options include a writing project, or a colouring book and some pencils. **Please note:** this is an alcohol free event. LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne aims to provide a safe place for everyone. We ask that you be respectful to all attendees; harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated. The venue capacity is 20 people, so tickets are limited; your $5 ticket contributes to venue hire and growing our community. Can't wait to see you there :)

Debutante is a monthly non-competitive showcase for emerging drag performers, held at Pride of our Footscray. The show starts at 8PM. Free entry and no booking required.

Take your doggies out for a Sunday arvo adventure around Brunswick’s best dog-friendly bars – complete with puppy cocktails, tasty treats, and good vibes all around! Join fellow dog lovers and their furry sidekicks for a fun, social stroll through some of Brunswick’s top local haunts. From a craft brewery to a modern pub and live music venue, each stop offers a unique vibe for both humans and hounds. Total walking distance: ~1.4km Meeting Point: Co-Conspirators Brewing Co. Limited ticket only, please buy your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brunswick-puppy-pub-crawl-tickets-559894739237?aff=ebdsoporgprofile ⸻ 🐾 Stop 1 – Co-Conspirators Brewing Co. Kick things off at this beloved independent craft brewery with: • A special intro from the brewery team 🍻 • Discounted drinks (craft beers, wine & cider) for our group • Spent Grain Dog Treats for every pub crawl pup ⸻ 🐾 Stop 2 – The Retreat Hotel Next up, hang out in the lush beer garden of this iconic live music venue. We’ll be treated to: • House-made Doggie Beef Martinis (non-alcoholic, of course!) • A rotating snack selection for humans, including: • Bruschettas • Jalapeño mac & cheese • Vegan lentil-walnut-mushroom sausage rolls w/ tomato relish 🌱 ⸻ 🐾 Stop 3 – Hotel Railway Brunswick Finish strong at the newly renovated Hotel Railway, where stylish vibes meet chilled-out courtyards. Expect: • A tasting platter of chef-selected favourites, e.g. • Crispy sumac squid • Fried cauliflower bites • Leek croquettes • chicken skewers • A top-notch selection of beers, wines, cocktails & mocktails • A relaxed garden setting perfect for winding down with your pup 🐾 ⸻ 💡 Need-to-Know Info: • All dogs must be kept on-lead at all times 🦮 • Please be respectful of venues & other dogs • Follow us for updates on future crawls & Melbourne dog-friendly events: 📍 Facebook: @crawlpuppypub 📸 Instagram: @crawlpuppypub Getting there? 🚗 UBER or UBER PETS friendly – just bring a small blanket for your dog and give your driver a heads-up before pick-up. ⸻ Turn your Sunday into a paw-some day out. Great drinks, good company, and happy tails guaranteed. See you there! 🍻🐾

**🌿 Fall in Love with the Planet – Eco-Impact Tribe Walk & Talk** This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating love in a different way — love for the planet 🌎💚 Join Eco-Impact Tribe for a relaxed **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, connect with nature, and share simple ideas on how we can care a little more for the world around us. This is a casual, friendly event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people, enjoy good conversation, and spend time outdoors. As a small gift, each participant will receive a **seed to take home and plant** — a tiny symbol of growing something positive for the planet 🌱 **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:00 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:00AM (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Come along and let’s fall a little more in love with the planet 💚

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.

**When:** Saturday\, February 21 \| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM **Where:** [1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206](https://twodollarradiohq.com/about-us) Looking for a night of meaningful connection and great vegan food? Join us at [Two Dollar Radio Headquarters](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgFEAI) for a special community gathering! **What’s on the menu?** While [2$R](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11fkn49_yq&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgGEAI) typically serves a selection of [house-made sandwiches](https://twodollarradiohq.com/weekly-food) and vegan pastries, they are creating a **special menu** specifically for our event. You can also grab a coffee, tea, or a drink from their [full bar](https://twodollarradiohq.com/) of cocktails and beer. **The Main Event:** * **Play:** Bring a favorite game from home to share or dive into the ones available at the shop. * **Connect:** Meet new and old friends in a space that values independent culture and plant-based living. * **Support:** Help us champion a local, family-owned vegan business that doubles as a powerhouse [indie book publisher](https://twodollarradio.com/pages/headquarters). **Parking Instructions:** * **Street Parking:** There is free public street parking available on both sides of Parsons Avenue and on the surrounding residential side streets. * **Lot Parking:** The [Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/126262ks5&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj14_nkjsWSAxVt4ckDHdRCH4oQqdYPegYIAQgKEAM) lot (1113 Parsons Ave) is located directly across the street and is available for guest use **only after the library has closed**. On Saturdays, the lot is typically available starting at 6:00 PM. * **Bike Parking:** For those cycling, there is a bike rack conveniently located at the corner of Cline and Parsons.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Join us on February 14th from 2–5 PM for a cozy and fun Valentine’s Day gathering! Start by grabbing lunch at **Portia’s Café**, then head next door to **The Cozy** for crafts, activities, and a relaxed space to celebrate the day together. **Date:** February 14 **Time:** 2:00–5:00 PM **Location:** The Cozy (next to Portia’s Café)

**🎬 Movie Meetup: Avatar: Fire and Ash + Pizza & Games at Pins! 🍕🎳** Join us for a fun, low-key outing at Easton! We’ll be seeing *Avatar: Fire and Ash* together and then heading over to Pins for Mikey’s Late Night Slice, games, and hanging out. **📍 Location:** Easton Town Center **🕓 Start Time:** 4:30 PM (please arrive a little early so we can get seats together) ⌛**Movie Duration**: 3 hours & 15min **After the movie:** We’ll walk (or drive) over to Pins Mechanical Co. to grab Mikey’s Late Night Slice and enjoy some games and social time. Feel free to come just for the hangout if you can’t make the movie! **What to expect** * Casual, friendly group * No pressure — come solo or bring friends * Stay as long (or short) as you’d like **Cost** * Movie ticket $15.99 (purchase individually) * Optional food/drinks after

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan