Submitted by Humane Society for Southwest Washington
Springtime heralds new life, and the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) is no exception. Every year, an influx of baby animals arrives at HSSW who need special care while waiting for a family. That care is very costly, making March the perfect time to sign up for HSSW’s monthly giving plan called Best Friends.
“Spring and summer are absolutely the busiest times of year at HSSW,” says Brittany Gosselin, Vice President of Development at HSSW. “When people get involved in the monthly giving plan, they are making a positive impact for dogs and cats every single day.”
Started in 1985, the monthly giving program provides consistent, reliable income that saves lives and meets shelter needs. In the past 30+ years, this program alone has raised more than $1.5 million and connected people with a cause they truly believe in. “I love to support animals and my community through my ‘Best Friends’ monthly donation,” asserts Cindy Tagliavia, volunteer and HSSW Best Friend since 2015 “Really, it costs me less than a dinner out and makes me so happy!”
The impact of a monthly donation provides shelter animals with everything from play toys to specialized food and important medical services. For example:
- $10 provides two dog toys for enrichment
- $25 vaccines for two animals
- $50 spay/neuter for one kitten
- $100 gets a dog off the street
But the dogs and cats don’t get all the perks. Best Friends’ supporters receive a 20% discount on all adoptions and purchases at ReTails Thrift Stores, listing in HSSW annual community report, and are treated to special reception just for Best Friends members.
Gosselin says that HSSW currently has 300 Best Friends and the goal is to add 100 more during the month of March. To make joining simple, there are a range of payment options available to fit each Best Friend’s lifestyle. For more information or to become a Best Friend to shelter animals in need, contact the HSSW Development Office at 360-213-2619 or go to www.hssw.org/best-friends.
