OTTAWA, ON, December 23, 2024 – This holiday season, Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is supporting animals and communities in need through a matching gift*. The campaign, focused on helping animals rescued from Ukraine's frontlines and beyond, highlights the growing need for access to veterinary services that will, in turn, strengthen both animal and human health.
“The support of our donors and partners is essential to achieving our One Health mission,” said Brett. “This holiday season, we invite everyone to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a brighter future for animals and the people who depend on them.”
This year’s campaign features a variety of ways for supporters to get involved, including one-time donations, monthly giving options, and holiday e-cards. Each donation supports VWB’s mission to improve animal health in vulnerable regions, including areas affected by conflict, food insecurity, and climate change. For example, in Ukraine, $28 can feed five dogs or cats for one month, $75 can buy emergency food to feed 15 lost and abandoned pets for one month, and $500 can help brave volunteers evacuate 200 companion animals from the front lines.
All funds raised through VWB's end of year campaign will directly benefit programs in Ukraine, northern Canada, Alaska, Africa, and Asia. These initiatives include veterinary care for displaced animals, capacity-building programs for local animal health workers, and emergency support for shelters in crisis zones.
“The need for animal health services has never been greater,” added Brett. “Whether it’s helping a family in South Sudan protect their livestock from disease or ensuring an animal shelter in Ukraine has the resources to care for animals displaced by war, your generosity during this campaign enables us to respond where the need is most urgent.”
Until Dec. 31st at midnight ET, VWB will also match every gift made thanks to a generous donor. This matching challenge doubles the impact of every donation, providing an even greater opportunity to create lasting change.
Donors can also support VWB’s work by contributing Aeroplan Miles, which help offset travel costs for VWB’s volunteer veterinary teams. Additionally, the campaign encourages the use of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) for tax-efficient giving.
“The holidays are a time of generosity, and our end of year matching campaign allows donors to make a meaningful difference,” said Charmaine Brett, Executive Director of VWB. “By contributing, they're not only making twice the gift for animals in need; they're also supporting entire communities who rely on healthy animals for nutrition, livelihood, and companionship.”
*Donations will be matched until Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 12 midnight EST thanks to our generous match partners.
Media Contact
Laura Eley
Communications & Media Relations Manager
E: laura@vwb.org
C: +1(343) 633-0272
About Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amerique du Nord
Using a One Health approach, Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) works for, and with, communities in need to foster the health of animals, people and the environments that sustain us. VWB works in Africa and Asia to improve the living conditions of the most disadvantaged rural populations through veterinary and agricultural services, sustainable animal production, training, value chain development and sustainable natural resource management. Additionally, we support remote Northern Canadian communities to improve animal health through temporary spay and neuter clinics, reduce the spread of rabies, and work to create the conditions for long-term, community-led sustainable animal health services.
Learn more at vwb.org/holidays
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