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American Humane's COVID-19 Fund Reaches
Its Goal of
1,000,000 Meals with Philanthropist and
Board Member
Jean Shafiroff Serving as National
Spokesperson and Donor
Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund reached
goal of raising $1 million
to feed a million animals in need
American Humane,
the nation’s first national humane organization, today
announced that their Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund reached
its goal of raising $1 million to feed a million animals in
need. The program was launched to feed and care for animals
across the country who were abandoned during the coronavirus
crisis. Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, who is an
American Humane board member, has been the national
spokesperson for the Feed the Hungry campaign and has hosted
several fundraisers since its launch. While helping raise
funds, Jean also donated generously to the cause and has
appeared on national television programs numerous times for
interviews promoting the campaign.
“Hundreds of thousands of animals face abuse,
neglect and homelessness in the face of crises and natural
disasters,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of
American Humane. “When the deadly coronavirus pandemic
hit, and threatened the lives of both people and animals,
American Humane sprang into action to protect and help our
best friends in what would soon prove to be their worst
times. Like every other business or organization in America,
rescues and shelters were, and still are, struggling to
maintain basic services and care for their animal
residents.”
“I am honored to stand by American Humane and
call attention to the critical need to help pets across the
country,” said Jean Shafiroff. “Animals will forever
hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful that we
reached our goal of one million meals, making a tremendous
difference for animals that are struggling throughout the
nation. Thank you to all who supported this worthy cause.
Although shelters in big cities across the
United States reported high adoption numbers, rural shelters
were instead seeing an influx of animals as pet owners
struggled with the financial impacts of COVID-19 as well as
the illness itself. Thousands of animals were being left
without homes and facilities were in desperate need of
general supplies. In response, through the Feed the Hungry
COVID-19 fund, American Humane provided 109 grants to
shelters and rescue organizations across 43 states,
supplying one million meals to homeless animals.
Now that Americans are transitioning back to
the office after more than a year of remote work, shelters
are reporting increases in owner surrenders.
“Although life is returning to a sense of
normalcy and we reached our goal of providing one million
meals, animal shelters and rescue organizations are
stretched thin and still need our help,” said Dr. Ganzert.
“These animals rely on humane groups to provide lifesaving
shelter and relief from the dire circumstances they face. We
hope animal lovers everywhere will continue to support our
efforts in helping to feed and protect more of our precious
furry friends.”
With more than 91 cents of every dollar spent
going directly to programs, American Humane has
earned Charity Navigator’s highest “Four-Star Rating” three
times in a row, has been named a “Top-Rated Charity” with an
“A” rating by both the American Institute of Philanthropy’s
CharityWatch and Great Nonprofits, and was awarded the gold
level seal from GuideStar USA. The organization has also
earned the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, was
awarded inclusion on Better Business Bureau’s prestigious
Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charities list and
was designated as a “Best Charity” by Consumer
Reports.
About American Humane:
American Humane is the
country’s first national humane organization. Founded in
1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety,
welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership
programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the
bonds between animals and people. For more information or to
support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and
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