March 22, 2005

SPCA benefits from old adage

The SPCA is proof there is truth to the old adage "one good turn deserves another".

Yesterday the SPCA received a much-needed $50,000 cash injection, a month after the organisation put its own plight aside to pledge $20,000 to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) tsunami relief fund.

The $50,000 was generated from New Zealanders supporting an SPCA sponsor-led promotion through Pedigree and Whiskas pet foods.

"Hundreds of animals across the country will benefit from this money, which has been earmarked to provide vital shelter and care for rescued and abandoned animals, to investigate cruelty cases and ensure general upkeep of the shelters," says SPCA national CEO, Robyn McDonald.

The Pedigree and Whiskas promotion ran for a week through New World supermarkets nationwide and involved 10c from every can of Whiskas and Pedigree cat and dog food sold going to the SPCA.

Whiskas and Pedigree have been sponsors of the SPCA for more than a year. The two brands donate $170,000 worth of cat and dog food each year to the SPCA or 95,000 cans which, if stacked end to end, would equate to the height of 40 Sky Towers.

The $50,000 cheque was presented to Ms McDonald from MasterFoods in Auckland yesterday.

Iaan Buchanan, MasterFoods Marketing Manager - Petcare NZ, says the promotion formed part of its national sponsorship agreement with the SPCA.

"This promotion produced a fantastic result for the SPCA and I am delighted to present the money to the organisation which helps thousands of animals each year. This is a cause close to our hearts."

ENDS