The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation has generously vowed to match all donations made to Woods Humane Society, up to $20,000, through Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024.
By doubling donations, Woods Humane Society’s Giving Tuesday Match Challenge will allow supporters to make twice as much impact in helping homeless dogs and cats in need.
“Giving Tuesday is the national day of charitable giving and it kicks off our most crucial season of fundraising for the animals in our care,” says Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux. “We are so grateful for the support of The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation for the opportunity to challenge our community of animal-loving supporters to meet this $20,000 match so that we can help two-times as many dogs and cats in need.”
L’Heureux explains that many of the pets entering Woods, such as senior Chihuahua, Iris, pictured, require extensive medical care prior to adoption. While the average animal’s sheltering expenses total $800, dogs like Iris, who needed a dental surgery in addition to other medical care and several weeks of recovery in foster care before she found her adoptive family, can often require two to three times as much, or more.
“Iris is now living her dream in her golden years,” L’Heureux says. “This would not have been possible without community support. Gifts to Woods Humane Society during this important holiday season enable us to give animals like Iris the specialized care they need and the second chance they deserve, all year long.”
As a 501c3 nonprofit, L’Heureux explains, Woods does not receive government funding, and instead relies on generous, tax-deductible gifts during this season of giving to meet its budgeted goals for the year and continue to provide food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for up to 3,000 animals each year.
Woods Humane Society’s adoption program admits surrendered pets from local community members and transferred pets from over-crowded shelters and animal rescues within San Luis Obispo County and throughout the state. Prior to adoption, each animal receives a spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations, parasite control, and any other needed treatments.
As part of the organization’s commitment to managing companion animal populations, Woods also provides low-cost spay and neuter services to San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Division, other local rescue organizations, and owned animals in the county. Additionally, Woods supports local pet owners through its Pet Pantry program, annual vaccination and microchip clinics, Humane Education programs for local youth, and Woods University dog behavior training classes.
The Woods Humane Society Giving Tuesday Match Challenge runs through midnight on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Donations can be made in person, by mail, or online at www.WoodsHumane.org. The San Luis Obispo campus is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, and the North County campus is located at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422.
