WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, August 10, 2021 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is protecting vulnerable cats and kittens across the country through its Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund, with support from the Marta Heflin Foundation. American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund at the onset of the pandemic to help rescues and shelters provide necessities like food and litter to animals in their care who were abandoned as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
“The pandemic impacted not just humans, but animals too, so we stepped up to help our best friends in their time of need,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, CEO and president of American Humane. “The Marta Heflin Foundation grant to our Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund comes at a critical time, as cat-centered shelters and animal rescue organizations continue to struggle to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents. We are so grateful to the Foundation for helping us make a tremendous difference for our feline friends.”
To date, American Humane’s Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund has provided more than one million meals to hungry animals across 43 states. Funds from the Marta Heflin Foundation are being used to aid shelters that are specifically dedicated to cats. Grant recipients include, among others, Alfie’s Kitten Rescue, Garfield’s Rescue, Inc., The Greater New Haven Cat Project, Inc., The Ruffian Foundation Cat Sanctuary, Positively Cats Sanctuary and The Feline Fix.
“Since the COVID outbreak, we have experienced increased drops of cats/kittens by residents that believe they can no longer provide their pets with the necessary food, shelter and medical care,” said Karen Peterson, board member and grants chairperson of Garfield’s Rescue, Inc. The Feed the Hungry grant “enables GRI to continue to feed and care for the thousands of homeless community cats in our underserved rural region, and to aid needy residents in their care of their pets.”
GRI, one of the Feed the Hungry grant recipients, has rescued 539 cats and kittens since its formation and placed 352 of these sweet felines in well vetted, responsible adoptive homes. Others are being fostered in the organization’s network of private foster homes. All the cats receive the intake medical exam, SNAP test, spay/neuter procedure and all state required vaccinations. The grant will be used for food, supplies and medical care which continue to comprise the majority of GRI’s expenses.
“Although life is returning to a sense of normalcy, animals still need our help and they rely on humane groups to provide lifesaving shelter and relief from the dire circumstances they face,” said Dr. Ganzert. “I am honored we can help protect so many vulnerable cats.”
To help shelters continue to save lives, consider donating today. Learn more at www.americanhumane.org/feedthehungry.
ABOUT AMERICAN HUMANE
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
