Rescue Rebuild and Nestlé Purina PetCare Partner to Renovate Local Shelter
Saint Joseph Animal Shelter Receives $100,000 Grant from Purina for Renovation, Future Expansion
Photo credit: Michael Newman – Granite Photography Studio
SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. - Nestlé Purina, a global leader in pet nutrition, health and wellness, is partnering with Rescue Rebuild to make a difference in the lives of pets in Saint Joseph. Nestlé Purina granted a $30,000 donation to the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) of St. Joseph, Inc., to fund an immediate renovation, which will take place September 10-18, and an additional $70,000 to help fund future expansion.
The makeover will be led by Rescue Rebuild, a community-driven volunteer program of GreaterGood.org that works to build, repair and renovate animal shelters and rescues in need. To date, the organization has renovated over 100 shelters across North America.
“Rescue Rebuild is pleased to partner with an organization as passionate about pets as Purina,” said Bryna Donnelly, Director of Rescue Rebuild. “Not only will this build change the physical appearance of the shelter, but will also bring the shelter and community together to form long-lasting relationships.”
Local Purina associates, along with volunteers from the community and the Rescue Rebuild team, will be constructing a new cat adoption building and outdoor living space, as well as a meet and greet area to enable potential adopters to better interact with dogs. The build will take place September 10-18 at the shelter located at 701 Lower Lake Road.
“This renovation from Rescue Rebuild and Purina sets up the shelter for a huge improvement in the number of cats they’ll be able to send to loving homes and a great quality of life for those pets while they wait to be adopted,” said Dr. Annie Valuska, FOTAS Board Member and Purina Feeding Behavior Scientist.
FOTAS is seeking to expand and build a new shelter within the next five years, and Purina is kick-starting its capital campaign with a $70,000 donation, which will be used to purchase a property on which to build a new shelter. Purina has long supported FOTAS and regularly provides product donations as well as supports the shelter through volunteerism and donations for other programs, like Puppies for Parole.
“At Purina, we believe pets and people are better together,” said Kasey Bergh, Director of Community Affairs at Purina. “We are inspired by the Friends of the Animal Shelter’s work to make a difference in the community by bringing people and pets together, and we are elated to support them not only through this makeover with Rescue Rebuild, but for future needs as they look to expand and save even more lives.”
About Rescue Rebuild
Rescue Rebuild is a shelter renovation program of GreaterGood.org that recruits volunteers from all over the country to help animal shelters in need. The organization travels to selected shelters in need to complete general repairs and renovations.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.
For further information: Rescue Rebuild: katie@lolared.com / Nestlé Purina: tiffany.gildehaus@purina.nestle.com