Animates brings Christmas hope to SPCA

Animates brings Christmas hope to SPCA

In keeping with the Christmas spirit, Animates is providing all pet-lovers the opportunity to give to those animals less fortunate, by offering shop-visitors a decoration to trim one of their special Giving Trees, in return for a small donation to the SPCA.

All funds raised from Animates stores throughout the country will go directly to the thousands of animals who will be taken in by SPCA shelters over the holiday period, with some of the funding going to a very special project planned for the new year.

“We are thrilled to partner the SPCA to raise funds for such a special cause,” says Animates marketing manager, Brenda Caseley. “We are very passionate about pets and believe every animal deserves to live a happy, healthy life.”

Animates stores have Christmas decorations available for a $2 or $5 donation at each of their stores nationwide, with space available for donors to include a message and their name – or their pet’s name.

“The SPCA totally relies on donations to operate,” says Brenda Caseley. “They receive little financial support from the government, and so need as much help as we can give them – especially at this time of year. To further show our support, we have sponsored every staff member a $5 decoration to hang on the Giving Tree in their st`re, with the $1200 raised donated to the SPCA.

While the summer holiday and Christmas season is a time of celebration for many – for the SPCA, it is the time when they are the busiest, with a significant influx of unwanted animals.

“During the year – and particularly over the summer holiday break – we receive a large number of abandoned pets,” says Auckland SPCA chief executive, Bob Kerridge.

“That’s why a portion of the funds raised from the Giving Trees will go toward establishing a puppy hospital at the SPCA Animal Village in Auckland. Many of the puppies we receive are very young and very vulnerable – they aren’t yet old enough, or strong enough to thrive with the older dogs, so being able to give them extra care i΅ a sῥgregated area is an absolute necessity for their survival.

For Bob Kerridge, the Giving Trees are a much-appreciated gesture from Animates and fellow animal-lovers in the community. “The Giving Trees are a lovely concept – they make it easy to give a small donation to animals in need, and they also give us the opportunity to remember those animals that were a special part of our lives, who may no longer be with us, but are deeply missed, says Mr. Kerridge.

“From the SPCA, we say a big thank you to those who give a little something as part of the Giving Tree fundraiser at Animates stores throughout the country.”

The Animates SPCA Giving Trees fundraising promotion will run until 24 December.

Image (left to right): Auckland SPCA Chief Executive Bob Kerridge and Animates Northern Regional Manager Aaron Waters. [For a larger version of this image, please reply to sender]

Top tips for ensuring your pets have a Merry Christmas, from Bob Kerridge.

1. Don’t abandon them. “This might seem simple,” says Bob. “But the summer holiday season is one of the worst for animal abandonment. For some people the build up to Christmas is financially difficult, and they just don’t seem to want to bother. Your pets should be treated as part of the family.”
2. Pet I.D. “If you do take your pet with you on holiday, make sure they can be identified and traced back to you. They are likely to be far, far from home, so a collar with your name and mobile number on it is a good idea. For the most reliable form of identification, micro-chipping is the best option.”
3. Best holiday is at home. “If you are going away on holiday and you are unable to take your pet/s with you, the best place for them is at home with a trusted caregiver. While your pet may be a little upset that you are not there with them, they will have the security of a known environment, and the reassurance of a familiar face.
4. If home isn’t an option, choose carefully. “If you can’t take your pets with you, or leave them at home with a friend, choose your pet-care facility very carefully. Visit the property and inspect where they will be looked after. Ask a lot of questions, until you are satisfied that your pet will be looked after properly.”
5. Ensure your pets are well watered and out of the heat. “As it starts getting warmer, remember that animals need to have plenty of water available. Also, animals should not be kept locked up in a hot vehicle – be aware how hot a car can quickly get when it is left shut up in the sun.”

SPCA Giving Trees are located at the following Animates stores:
- 80 Lunn Ave., Mt. Wellington, Auckland
- 985 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden, Auckland
- 2200 East Coast Road, Silverdale, Auckland
- 371 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Downs, Auckland
- 192-195 Universal Drive, Henderson, Auckland
- 2 Porana Road, North Shore, Auckland
- 142 Don McKinnon Drive, Albany, Auckland
- 26 Rutherford Street, Melling, Lower Hutt
- 132 Old Hutt Road, Kaiwharawhara, Wellington
- 303 Church Road, Palmerston North
- 262 Cameron Road, Tauranga
- 787 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton
- 218 Moorhouse Ave., Christchurch
- 467 Papanui Road, Christchurch
- Tower Junction Mega Centre, Christchurch

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