Spring is a time of hope for animals in shelters across the country, thanks in large part to customers, associates and vendors of PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., who give hundreds of thousands of dollars to the PETCO Foundations annual 'Spring a Pet' fundraiser. Last year, more than $950,000 was contributed to the organization's animal rescue efforts.
"We're hoping for over a million dollars this year," PETCO Foundation Director Paul Jolly said of the 'Spring a Pet' event, which runs from March 3rd through Easter Sunday, March 31st in PETCO stores throughout the country. "Local animal welfare groups are feeling the pinch of reduced donations to them since 9-11 and need all the help we can provide."
The fundraiser allows customers, associates and vendor partners the opportunity to donate $1, $5, $10 or $20. Donors will receive a cutout bunny that will be displayed with their personal message in their local PETCO store. Donors of $20 or more will also receive an Animal Awareness Pin to wear proudly to proclaim their support of animal rescue efforts. This event has grown exponentially over the past three years, raising $378,000 in 1999, $632,000 in 2000, and $950,000 last year. The Foundation targets 'Spring a Pet' donations to support animal adoptions, rescue, spay/neuter programs, and various other efforts by grass roots humane groups.
Jolly attributes much of that growth to intense customer involvement and identification.
"Customers realize how important the work that animal rescues accomplish," Jolly said. "They look at their own animals at home, that they love and cherish, and realize that some animals are not so lucky. But for the heroic efforts of these tireless animal advocates in rescue work, too many animals would be left abandoned and without any hope."
That realization results in contributions to the 'Spring a Pet' event. The PETCO Foundation, whose mission is to support community organizations and efforts that enhance the lives of companion animals while strengthening the bond between people and their pets, facilitates donations within the communities where the money is raised.
To contribute to the 'Spring a Pet' fundraiser, visit any PETCO store. To locate the store nearest you, log on to the PETCO website at http://www.petco.com/ . Beginning in March, contributions will be accepted on-line. A button will be added to the home page, which will enable on-line shoppers to add a donation to 'Spring a Pet' to their purchase.
PETCO, based in San Diego, is a leading pet specialty retailer with more than 560 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia.
The PETCO Foundation was established by PETCO in 1999, and has since raised more than $7 million through a variety of fundraising efforts in communities where PETCO has stores. The Foundation distributes donations to organizations, shelters and programs that enhance the lives of animals and celebrate the animal-human bond.
SOURCE: PETCO
Contact: Paul Jolly of PETCO Foundation, +1-626-287-0952, or Don Cowan,
Communications Director of PETCO, +1-858-657-2086
Website: http://www.petco.com/
