RSPCA SA's ambassadors rally ahead of charity's biggest one-day fundraiser
With just a week to go before RSPCA's biggest one-day national fundraiser - Give to Get Them Home - six ambassadors for the organisation's South Australian branch have rallied for a special video to encourage animal lovers to dig deep.
Among them is Adelaide-born Hollywood star Teresa Palmer, who filmed her contribution at her family's Los Angeles home. The multi-award-winning actress, whose recent television and film credits include The Fall Guy, A Discovery of Witches and The Clearing, divides her time between Los Angeles and Adelaide.
Joining Teresa in the heartfelt call on behalf of animals are fellow RSPCA South Australia ambassadors; Adelaide Crows footballers Brayden Cook, Chelsea Randall and Jess Waterhouse, former Port Power player Hamish Hartlett and media personality Hanni Howe.
RSPCA's Give to Get Them Home appeal on Thursday October 3 is now in its sixth year. The appeal offers a one-day window in which everyone who donates via the dedicated website has the pleasure of seeing their donation automatically doubled, thanks to dollar-matching partners Royal Canin, Peter Alexander, Bravecto, author Fiona McCallum, Hickinbotham Homes and generous local donors.
This year's appeal is taking place the day before World Animal Day, created in 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, an animal-loving writer from Germany. The day aims to raise awareness about how animals are treated around the world, and to encourage people to advocate on behalf of animals.
"This year's theme for World Animal Day is "The world is their home too", which is a timely reminder of the hundreds of homeless animals in SA who need our help," RSPCA SA CEO Marcus Gehrig said.
"Every day is World Animal Day for the RSPCA, as our teams strive to help as many animals as possible get ready to find loving homes.
"We cared for almost 6000 animals last financial year and we're on track to care for just as many this year.
"They come to us from many different situations, and some require extensive vet care and rehabilitation, all of which is made possible by donations from our big-hearted community.
"As we approach the busy summer months, I urge everyone to take advantage of this one day next Thursday, when whatever amount is donated is instantly doubled. You literally will be giving to get them home."
There are currently 520 animals in RSPCA SA's care, with 230 of them being housed at the charity's animal care centre at O'Halloran Hill. The remainder are either in foster care, on trial adoptions or at RSPCA SA's Whyalla shelter.
Donations during the one-day appeal can be made online or via telephone on 1300 777 221.
(In order to be doubled, donations must be made via the appeal's dedicated website.)
