Now that we’ve gotten through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s time to focus on a day that really matters – Giving Tuesday. I love that this event falls right during the busy holiday season because it gives us a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and do something good for others.
This Giving Tuesday I thought I’d focus again on some ways that you can help out local rescues and shelters. Here are just a few ideas to make an impact this holiday season:
Giving Tuesday events
Meet Tuna Melts My Heart
Instagram star @TunaMeltsMyHeart will be visiting the Cleveland APL for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27. Bring items to donate (food, toys, treats, beds) to the APL and get your picture taken with Tuna. He will be at the adoption center (1729 Willey Ave.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Holiday Hops for Hearts
On Nov. 27, the 4th annual Holiday Hops for Hearts benefitting The Plankton Fund, will be held at Forest City Brewery. The Plankton Fund was started in honor of a dog named Plankton who arrived at the kennel in 2014 and tested positive for late-stage heartworm disease. Tickets are $25 and include one drink ticket and two raffle tickets. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/249289622444677/
Upcoming holiday fundraisers:
Holiday Puppy Yoga
Join the Friendship APL and “animal Yoga pioneer” Julie VanMeter-Moffitt on Sunday, December 9th from 4 to 5:00 p.m. for a special holiday-themed puppy yoga event. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged, and light drinks and snacks will be provided. This is a humans-only event, although there will be puppies there to do yoga with you. Tickets are $25 and space is limited, so purchase your tickets today. All proceeds from this event will support the Friendship APL. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2252497415027669/
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Hosted by Second Chance Animal Rescue, the 2nd Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2018 from 6 -9:00 pm at Scalpers Bar and Grille in Lyndhurst. Dress up in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy dinner, drinks, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle. All proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/556801858113157/
Check out the dog-friendly events calendar for more events including all of the Santa Paws events that raise money for local rescues/shelters: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-events/
Purchase from a Wishlist
While doing your holiday shopping this year, why not throw in a few gifts for the local homeless dogs and cats in our community? It is so easy to purchase items that a shelter or rescue group needs by searching Amazon for their wishlist and purchasing items on the list. The best part is that you can ship the items directly to them.
You can also use Amazon Smile while you shop on Amazon this holiday season to donate a percentage of your purchase to the rescue group of your choice. Search for one here: https://smile.amazon.com/
Here are just a few Amazon wishlists for local rescues. Many organizations have wishlists on Amazon or have a list of items they need posted on their website.
Cleveland APL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/17JWHFI8ZR6ZV/ref=topnav_lists_1
Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/15JCVK42TMWEY/ref=sr_1_1_acs_wl_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388683921&sr=8-1-acs
Lake Humane Society: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13A29C482PO0Y
Sign up to volunteer
Rescue groups always need volunteers to help with fostering, transportation, dog walking, events, and fundraising. If you are new to volunteering, the Cleveland APL is a great place to start. They always need more volunteers to keep up with the animals in their care. Check out more information about volunteering here: https://clevelandapl.org/volunteer/steps-to-become-a-cleveland-apl-volunteer/
The next volunteer orientation for the Cleveland APL will take place on Dec. 5 at 6 pm at St. Wendelin’s Parish.
Most rescue groups have information about becoming a volunteer on their website, so check out your local shelter to see what they need.
Hold your own fundraiser
It is now easier than ever to raise funds for local rescue groups thanks to Facebook. You can start a fundraiser right on Facebook for the local animal charity of your choice and get donations from your friends and family. On Giving Tuesday, Facebook and PayPal will match a total of $7 million in donations, so it is the perfect day to set up a fundraiser and make it easy for others to donate to the group of your choice.
Happy #GivingTuesday everyone!
Dogs in the CLE 