Giving Tuesday Now is a global day of giving back to causes in safe ways that allow for social connection while practicing physical distancing. The charitable event takes place May 5 in addition to the annually scheduled Giving Tuesday event that will still take place Dec. 1.
In honor of the event, an anonymous benefactor reached out to Santa Rosa County Animal Services and offered to match donor contributions up to $1625 to generate the $3250 the shelter needs to purchase 43 cat portals. Portals allow cats to have two separate living areas, one for sleeping and eating, the other for a litter box. Studies have shown that felines stay healthier when they have more space to roam, jump and hide. Portals help reduce feline stress, encourage cats to be more social and ultimately encourage more adoptions. Any funds raised above the goal would be put towards cat enrichment and care.
"We are fortunate that such a generous donor has offered to help us reach our goal,” said Dr. Megan Arevalo, staff veterinarian. “Our Giving Tuesday Now donation form is online now. You can make your contribution today and double the impact of your gift."
This fundraiser could not have come at a more perfect time as most of the shelter’s pets were adopted or placed in foster homes prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With many of our pets being cared for in the community right now, it’s a great time for us to install cat portals,” said Dora Thomason, shelter director. “We have been using this time to set up a shelter surgical suite, assemble pet beds and for professional development.”
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