All of Southern California and animal lovers from around the nation have responded to help in the aftermath of the recent Escondido Humane Society's tragic fire that claimed the lives of more than 100 animals and destroyed the shelter's facility.
Shortly after the fire, PETCO partnered with the Society to meet two goals: Find homes for all the healthy adoptable animals that survived the fire with a series of in-store adoption events, and provide the community with a convenient way to donate cash. Because of community support, both goals have been met and the campaign is scheduled to conclude this weekend.
Thus far more than 30 companion animals have been adopted with only a few healthy animals yet to be adopted and those will be available at the Escondido PETCO at 1000 West Valley Parkway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, February 17.
And a "Round UP" fundraising campaign developed by the PETCO Foundation, PETCO's non-profit charity, has exceeded its $100,000 goal and will conclude this Saturday, February 17. This donation, made up of customer's rounding up their purchases or making outright donations, will be the single largest contribution to the Humane Society's fundraising efforts to date.
"We thank everyone for the generous support of our effort to assist the Escondido Humane Society," said Bill LoBell, PETCO's Regional Manager for the area that includes San Diego and Orange counties. "In addition to offering customers throughout Southern California the opportunity to donate, we spread this campaign to our stores from across the nation and several thousand dollars were raised from stores in the East, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. This shows once again how people love pets, particularly pets in need. We are so grateful for the support and are proud to have been able to help," LoBell added.
Cost to rebuild a facility for the Escondido Humane Society is estimated to be between $3.5 and $5 million. Most of that is yet to be raised.
The Escondido Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It was established more than 65 years ago to serve the region's animal welfare needs.
PETCO, based in San Diego, is a leading pet specialty retailer with more than 530 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia. To find the nearest store, log on to http://www.petco.com/.
The PETCO Foundation was established in February 1999 to support community organizations and efforts that enhance the lives of companion animals while strengthening the bond between people and pets. Since inception more than $3.6 million has been raised through a variety of Foundation fundraising efforts in communities where PETCO has stores.
SOURCE: PETCO
Contact: Don Cowan of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., 858-657-2086; or Paul
Jolly of PETCO Foundation, 626-287-0952
Website: http://www.petco.com/
