GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia will kick off its annual Season of Saves holiday campaign on Dec. 2, using Giving Tuesday to launch a monthlong effort to raise lifesaving funds and support animal welfare across the region.
The three-part campaign includes donation “Giving Trees” in local businesses, a “Home for the Holidays” foster program, and a year-end fundraising push aimed at generating $50,000 for the shelter’s expanding mission.
“Though we’re facing challenges in animal welfare like never before — including unprecedented overpopulation, fewer adoptions and rising costs to care for animals — it’s our duty to do everything we can to fulfill our mission of helping animals and people live better together,” said Cindy Askounis, chairwoman of the shelter’s board of directors. “Season of Saves is an opportunity for our community to help us combat these challenges and make a difference in the lives of animals in need.”
Giving trees
The Giving Trees will appear at participating businesses throughout the area. Each tree features ornaments listing items from the shelter’s wish list. Patrons can purchase items to leave under the tree or scan a QR code on the ornaments to make a monetary donation.
This year’s Giving Tree locations include Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Explore Gainesville, Green’s Grocery, Hall County Library, Image Boutique, Inman Perk Coffee, Occasions Florist, Pet Pleasers Bakery, Pet Supplies Plus, StillFire Brewing, THRIVE, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Ace Hardware in Oakwood and Chick-fil-A locations on Jesse Jewell Parkway and Dawsonville Highway.
Home for the holidays
The shelter is also promoting its “Home for the Holidays” foster program, which runs year-round but emphasizes giving animals a break from the stressful shelter environment during the holiday season. Fostering helps reduce anxiety for animals and increases their chances of adoption by allowing them to bond with people in a home setting. Applications are available online or at the shelter.
As part of the campaign, HSNEGA will host pet photos with Santa at NoFo in Gainesville on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Guests may bring an item from the shelter’s wish list or make a $25 donation in exchange for a photo. Local vendors will also be on site.
The Season of Saves fundraising goal of $50,000 will support shelter operations, veterinary care, food and enrichment programs, as well as animal owners in need, partner shelters and regional animal welfare initiatives.
More information about the shelter’s mission, foster applications and donation options is available at www.hsnega.org.
