Woods Humane Society launches Giving Tuesday match challenge
Challenge runs through midnight on Dec. 2
– Woods Humane Society announced a $15,000 match challenge beginning Nov. 18 and running through Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2. The match, made possible by The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation, will double donations made during that period.
“We are so grateful for the support of The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation for this incredible opportunity,” Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux said. “Giving Tuesday kicks off our most crucial season of fundraising for the animals in our care. For those who wish to make a difference for pets, now is the best time to give, when gifts will go twice as far for dogs and cats in need.”
L’Heureux said it costs an average of $800 to care for an animal from intake to adoption. She said puppies like Gerald, who suffered from parvovirus and required emergency medical care and several weeks of foster care, can cost two to three times as much or more.
“In many shelters with less community support, Gerald might have succumbed to his illness. He is now healthy, happy, snuggling with the other dog in the family, and going out on pontoon boats,” L’Heureux said. “Our community is the true reason that beautiful stories like this are possible. Gifts to Woods Humane Society during this important holiday season will enable us to provide animals like Gerald the specialized care they need and the second chance they deserve, all year long.”
As a nonprofit organization, Woods Humane Society does not receive government funding and relies on tax-deductible donations to meet its annual budget and provide food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for 3,000 animals each year.
The organization’s adoption program admits surrendered pets from local community members, along with transferred pets from over-crowded shelters and animal rescues within San Luis Obispo County and from other areas of the state and country. Before adoption, each animal receives spay or neuter surgery, a microchip, vaccinations, parasite control and any additional necessary treatments.
Woods Humane Society also provides low-cost spay and neuter services to the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Division, local rescue organizations and owned animals in the county. The organization supports local pet owners through its Pet Pantry program, vaccination and microchip clinics, Humane Education programs for youth and Woods University dog behavior training classes.
The Giving Tuesday Match Challenge runs through midnight on Dec. 2. Donations may be made in person, by mail, or online at www.WoodsHumane.org.
The San Luis Obispo campus is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. The North County campus is located at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. For more information, call (805) 543-9316.
