A new philanthropic organizations intends to apply the United Way concept to the support of anmial shelters and rescue agencies, seeks contributions.
Santa Cruz, CA (PRWEB) December 18, 2004 -- Shelter Friends, a non-profit 501( c ) 3 organization that aims to bring financial support and stability to the animal welfare community, today announced a plan to become a sort of United Way for animal rescue agencies by collecting and distributing urgently needed funds to small animal shelters, many of which currently struggle to stay open.
The rescue agencys biggest challenge is under-funding" said Tracey Hazdovac, founder of Shelter Friends. Volunteers work countless hours and often pay for necessities from their own pockets. Lacking needed medicines, foods, supplies and veterinary care, many shelters have to turn animals away. Shelter Friends will follow the United Way model to address the financial needs of under-funded and often overlooked small animal shelters and rescue leagues."
Shelter Friends currently is reaching out to communities of caring individuals who would contribute between $3 and $10 per month, and all donations are tax deductible. Contributors can follow the results of their contributions every month on the Shelter Friends web site.
The organizations 2005 goal is to attract 10,000 contributors who each donate an average of $5 per month to Shelter Friends -- the price of an espresso or a small lunch," Hazdovac said. With their donations pooled with those of hundreds of other small contributors, individuals are able to make a big impact on needy shelters each month. Their contributions purchase medicines, veterinary care, foods, expansion and maintenance."
Even at this modest level of contribution Shelter Friends can impact the problem significantly through direct financial assistance to 10 or more shelters each month, she said, noting that the ultimate goal is to become a major contributor to Americas small, under-funded animal shelters.
An all-volunteer organization, Shelter Friends uses none of the donated monies to pay salaries. With the exception of administration expenses, all contributions are used to help animals. For more about Shelter Friends, Inc. and become involved in this program, visit their website at www.shelterfriends.com.
Contact:
Tracey Hazdovac
Telephone: 831-359-8071
Email: shelterfriends@yahoo.com
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