The women's fashion store chain maurices has partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to create Rescues and Runways in an effort to help struggling animal shelters around the country. The goal of the Rescues and Runways is to shed light on problems local animal shelters are having, collect 500,000 pounds of supplies for shelters around the US, to raise at least $100,000 for the ASPCA, and to find homes for animals waiting to be adopted. The senior vice president and chief marketing officer of maurices Vivian Behrens explained “Given the crisis that animals and animal shelters are facing, we are confident that they could use our help.’
Rescues and Runways
Throughout the month of September, over 700 maurices stores around the country will partner up with local animal shelters to hold pet-themed fashion shows. The fashion show will showcase the newest fall fashions available at their stores, and each model will walk down the runway with a cat or dog that is available for adoption at the local shelter.
Along with the fashion shows, each maurices will hold a month long pet supply drive. All pet supplies will go to the local shelters that are partnering with maurices. Customers who donate supplies to the drive will receive a coupon for 20% off any regular priced item in the store.
Beginning in mid-September, maurices will be selling limited edition “Friends for Life” charms. One half of the charms can be worn by pet owners, and the other half by their pet. They are selling for $5.00 a charm, with half of the proceeds going toward the ASPCA.
Animal Shelters in Need
When the economy began to founder, business and non-profit organizations began to feel the heat, especially animal shelters. As people started losing jobs, they found they were no longer able to afford their lifestyles, their homes, and many found they could not even afford their pets. People suffering through these difficult times were forced to surrender their furry friends to shelters, in hopes that another loving family would be able to adopt them.
As the number of surrenders increase, animal shelters are feeling the strain. With the amount of animals coming in on the rise, shelters are not only having a difficult time finding homes for all the animals, they don’t have enough space to house them in the meantime. The shelters are also unable to keep up with the financial demands that come along with the extra animals. Shelters are in desperate need of supplies and donations to keep the animals safe and healthy.
 |
 |
