Bunnings is launching a new and limited edition of hoodies with the store’s branding for dogs, in a bid to raise funds for local pet shelters.
The hardware giant is partnering up with PetRescue, a pet adoption platform, for their Stores for Paws campaign and will also host a nationwide sausage sizzle running this weekend from April 17 to 19.
According to PetRescue the amount of abandoned pets is at its highest in 20 years, with more than 8,300 listed for adoption.
The limited edition hoodies come in sizes small to XX-Large, costing $10 with two dollars of every purchase donated to PetRescue.
The fundraiser will help cover essential costs for pets waiting to be adopted, including accommodation, food and veterinary care.
“At Bunnings, we love pets,” Bunnings head of community Michelle Walter said.
“Our customers love bringing their dogs into our stores, and Stores for Paws is about turning that love into real support for rescue pets.
“Whether that’s meeting adoptable pets, supporting a local fundraiser or picking up a hoodie.
“This initiative celebrates the incredible work local rescue groups do, while helping more pets find safe, loving homes.”
The Stores for Paws campaign has already raised more than $500,000 for animal welfare organisations and facilitated the adoption of more than 700 pets.
PetRescue chief executive Patima Tantiprasut said the campaign is important for local animal welfare and rescue organisations, that are currently being strained.
“We’re seeing increasing demand across the rescue sector, driven by housing challenges, financial pressure and major life changes that many Aussies are experiencing,” she said.
“The rescue community is completely stretched.
“They’re getting put in the impossible position of deciding which pets they can save versus which they don’t have the capacity to take in.
“This initiative comes at such a crucial time, it’s important for the rescue sector to have this kind of support behind them and the recognition.”
Tantiprasut said that on estimate PetRescue spends $280,000 per day looking after cats and dogs.
The organisation has helped over one million pets find their forever homes.
Bunnings will also be running in-store activities, pet adoption days, and a pet themed kids D.I.Y workshop.
Image: Bunnings
