In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 10-17, Hill’s Pet Nutrition recognized five Shelter Heroes who go above and beyond in their commitment to local animal shelters and helping pets find their forever homes. As a way of recognizing their contributions, Hill’s also donated US$10,000 each to the five shelters that these volunteers support.
“We launched the Hill’s Shelter Heroes Contest to recognize amazing volunteers and inspire others to start volunteering at their local shelters,” said Gavin du Toit, Hill’s marketing director. “Our Food, Shelter & Love program reflects Hill’s deep commitment to animals beyond selling pet food, and has worked with more than 1,000 shelters nationwide in the past 14 years. And we are not alone in this love, so we wanted to recognize the amazing work volunteers do every day. Without volunteers, most shelters would be unable to operate or care for homeless cats and dogs.”
The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has provided shelters with more than US$280 million in pet food since 2002. The program feeds more than 100,000 homeless pets every day in over 800 shelters.
“Hill’s provides the food, and volunteers donate their time, love and care until new homes for the animals can be found,” du Toit said. “Together, we’re helping transform the lives of shelter pets.”
When Hill’s announced the Hill’s Shelter Heroes Contest, more than 100 shelters submitted heart-warming stories and videos of volunteers who make a real impact on the lives of homeless animals. Hill’s announced 10 finalists and then asked pet lovers on their Facebook and Twitter pages to select the five winners.
The winners of the Hill’s Shelter Heroes Contest are: Margo with Nine Lives Foundation in Redwood City, California, USA; Wendy with Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport, Mississippi, USA; Carla with Pearl River County SPCA in Picayune, Mississippi, USA; Billy with Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, Kansas, USA; and, Annie with Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
“It is exciting to see Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s stronger-than-ever commitment to homeless pets and animal shelters like ours. The support offered by the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has a positive impact on adoptions, volunteer programs and donations,” said Robert D. Rohde, president and CEO, Dumb Friends League.
