Woods Humane Society will present a $15,000 match challenge, running Nov. 18 through Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Thanks to a matching gift from the John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation, donations made to Woods Humane Society will be doubled to help more animals this season.
“We are so grateful for the support of the John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation for this incredible opportunity,” said Emily L’Heureux, Woods Humane Society CEO.
“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,” she said.
L’Heureux said it costs an average of $800 to care for one animal from intake to adoption. However, for some puppies (like Gerald, pictured), who suffered from life-threatening parvo virus and required emergency medical attention and several weeks of foster care, 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,” L’Heureux said. “He is now healthy, happy, snuggling with the other dog in the family, and going out on pontoon boats.
“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 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Woods receives no government funding, instead relying on tax-deductible gifts to meet its budgeted goals for the year and to continue supplying food, shelter, medical care, and adoption services to 3,000 animals annually.
Woods Humane Society’s adoption program admits surrendered pets from local community members and transferred pets from over-crowded shelters and animal rescues within San Luis Obispo County and throughout the state and country.
Prior to adoption, each animal receives a spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, parasite control, and any other needed treatments.
Woods also provides low-cost spay and neuter services to San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Division, other local rescue organizations, and owned animals in the county.
Woods supports local pet owners through its Pet Pantry program, regular vaccination and microchip clinics, Humane Education programs for local youth, and Woods University dog behavior training classes.
Donations to the Giving Tuesday Match Challenge can be made in person, by mail, or at www.WoodsHumane.org.
The San Luis Obispo campus is at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo; the North County campus is at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero.