With over 2,000 rescues, including puppies and handicapped dogs, at its shelter in Seremban, the organisation’s list of expenditure includes food, vet fees, medication, utility bills, and operating costs. As such, it has launched a T-shirt campaign in the hope of raising some urgently needed funds.
The 100% cotton shirts come in black, white and grey, and features a painted artwork of adorable furkids with the tagline: “Rescued is my favourite breed.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL, they are priced at RM50 apiece, excluding postage, and all proceeds will go towards the shelter’s outstanding bills and expenses.
The shirts can be pre-ordered from now until July 14 and will be posted out in the first week of next month.
Besides purchasing one for yourself, these would make great gifts for paw-parents, dog lovers, or anyone who wants to give voice to the voiceless.
FurryKids Safehaven hopes to raise between RM3,000 and RM5,000 through this initiative.
Although it is currently falling short of its target, “we remain cautiously optimistic we will be able to meet our goal, but this is only possible with support from the public,” said the NGO’s vice-president, Rohini Harichandra.
She added that there has been a significant decline in donations compared with previous years. “It has been a challenging period, but we are doing the best we can to provide for all of our rescued dogs so they can continue to live their best lives,” she told FMT.
“We are grateful and blessed to be on this journey and hope the public feels the same way. Together, we can ensure our dogs don’t go to sleep hungry.”
The purchase of one T-shirt will allow FurryKids Safehaven to feed one dog for about half a month.
The shortage of funds has also delayed completion of the shelter’s treatment room, which is in the final stages of construction.
Previously located in Mambau, the organisation moved to its current location in Kuala Sawah last year after its previous premises was badly damaged in a flash flood – a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 54 dogs.
It also works with the local council to humanely control the stray population via its Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage programme.
Besides raising funds, FurryKids Safehaven hopes the T-shirt, through its slogan, will help raise awareness on the importance of adopting street dogs as pets instead of buying pedigree breeds, especially given the increasing numbers of strays in Malaysia – many of which are abandoned family pets.
And should you be looking to adopt a furry friend, follow FurryKids Safehaven’s social media for information on upcoming adoption drives. The shelter also needs volunteers from time to time, so do get in touch if you’d like to help out.
Support FurryKids Safehaven and get your paws on a T-shirt by clicking here. For more information, check out its website, as well as Facebook and Instagram accounts.