Pet sitters have a super opportunity to both raise money for shelter pets in need and raise the profile of their business by getting involved in the Wishbones for Pets project in the coming months.
This is a project that I’ve been aware of for a few years now – but this year I finally have time to get fully involved – it will be my first year of participation – and I’d love you to join me!
Wishbones for Pets is a fund raising project especially for pets sitters that started in 2004, where each year pet sitters collect donations of money and supplies for a animal shelter in their local area . The program runs each year in the 6 weeks prior to Thanksgiving (in the US).
Pet sitters ask local business owners to host collection bins in their stores that are labeled with the pet sitting business name, the name of the local charity, and list of requested supplies. These bins give visibility to the pet sitting business and foster community goodwill. The goods from the bins, as well as monetary donations are collected at the end of the 6 week drive and then delivered to the local shelter by the pet sitting business.
The Wishbones for Pets website lists the great benefits of participation in the event:
“What are the business benefits?
- Publicity for the individual pet sitting service
- A public awareness of this industry
- Publicity for the sponsors
- Retail traffic and potential sales increases for the drop off stations/sponsors
- Community responsibility showcased
- A charity receives the needed donations
How does the pet sitter benefit?
This program enables pet sitters to significantly increase its public profile by informing the community of the fundraiser for a pet related charity and brings an awareness of their own services. Without this type of marketing, the community might not otherwise learn what is offered without the pet sitter having to incur significant expenses associated with media advertising.
Initial ideas for promoting will include a list of targeted participants, offering promotional items, placing alternative advertising throughout targeted areas, radio/television announcements, assembling volunteers to assist in weekly pick-ups, developing co-sponsorships, and much more.
All pet sitters participating in the program are free to use the Wishbones for Pets logo on their literature and/or website as well as a link to the official Wishbones for Pets website displaying information about the sponsor. The advertising exposure for everyone involved is enormous!”
So take a look at the Wishbones for Pets website today – it’s easy to register and there is a Yahoo group that can offer you support and guidance so that you make the most of the event.
A press release template to send out announcing your participation – and asking local businesses for their help to host collection bins has been added to the Yahoo group. So no excuses – will you join me to help some pets in need?
Let us know if you have participated in event by leaving a comment ….. and be sure to let us know your tips and how you made the most of the program!
