Princess Charlene is set to attend Monaco’s second annual Rokethon charity walk, joining participants and their dogs at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille on November 2nd to raise awareness about animal abandonment. 

Speaking at a press conference on October 27th, Rokethon president Sylvia Sermenghi outlined the association’s mission and revealed details about the upcoming event.

“What do we want to do at Rokethon? We want to give a voice to the voiceless. That’s what it’s all about,” Sermenghi explained, sharing emotional stories of abandoned animals including Shana, rejected by her owner who claimed she could no longer care for her, and Mr Jack, who lost an eye and was abandoned when his owner’s new partner didn’t want him.

The president described abandoned animals as “the wounded of abandonment” and outlined Rokethon’s ambitious long-term goal of purchasing a large property to care for elderly, abandoned, and mistreated dogs that cannot find refuge elsewhere. “An animal is a living being above all. A living being who feels things. They feel abandonment. They can suffer from it. It’s suffering,” Sermenghi said.

Princess Charlene, who participated in last year’s inaugural event, will once again join the walk with her chihuahua Kita.

“For me, it’s really a great honour, because we know her commitment to the animal cause,” Sermenghi said of the Princess’s involvement.

Event programme

The day will begin at 10am with an opening ceremony, followed by the symbolic walk around the chapiteau. Sponsors will contribute €2 for each kilometre completed, and everyone who completes the course will receive a commemorative medal. “We want to do it in a humble way. Humility really remains our watchword. Because humility allows us to have even more for the animals,” Sermenghi said.

Following the walk, there will be a fashion parade titled ‘Walk me home and love me fur-ever’, where models and dogs that are up for adoption will walk together wearing ethical creations made from ecological fur.

The ambassador from Perroton, Madrid’s major annual animal charity run, will also be attending, and will share insights from the Spanish event that inspired Rokethon’s creation.

Additionally, Lucas Bérullier, founder of Woofest, will bring interactive activities for dogs throughout the day. “We need to create emotion if we want to make things change. And we need to make things change. There’s a lot of suffering, mistreatment. And each person here, in this room, can make a small difference,” Bérullier said. He also spoke about his own evolution, noting that he once purchased dogs from breeders but has since changed his views. “We’re living proof that we can change, that we can evolve and learn things.”

Lastly, the event will also include stands from various welfare organisations, a giant tombola, and trophy presentations recognising outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Fashion photographer Toni Meneguzzo will set up a studio to capture portraits of human and canine duos throughout the day.

Registration information

All participating dogs must have identification microchips and up-to-date vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough, giardia, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. Dogs on the potentially dangerous breeds register may participate provided owners hold the necessary permits, liability insurance and use both muzzles and leads.

Registration details are available at www.rokethon.com or by calling 06 88 03 40 50.

With good weather forecast for November 2nd, organisers are expecting a strong turnout for an event that promises entertainment -for both owners and their loyal companions – , education, and above all, a powerful message: adopt, don’t shop.

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Main photo provided by Rokethon.