Many homeless people live on the streets with their animals, which are more than just companions for them; they are loyal companions. They offer their owners comfort and companionship, which is invaluable, especially on the streets. However, the challenges for homeless pet owners are enormous. They face the difficult task of finding food and shelter for both themselves and their animals. PENNY and PURINA have therefore decided to join forces to support the Caritas crypt in Vienna and various homeless shelters in Austria.
The donation campaign has made it possible to hand over almost 1,500 kilograms of pet food to Caritas. This donation will provide essential support for pet owners living in difficult times and offer their faithful companions a well-deserved meal over the holidays.
"This initiative is in line with our principles of social responsibility and caring for the community," says Kai Pataky, Managing Director of PENNY. "Pets are an essential part of family life for many people, especially during the holidays. That's why we're delighted to be joining forces in this way."
"The special power of a human-animal bond can have a positive impact on people's physical health as well as their emotional well-being. Especially for homeless people, as their four-legged friends are often the only ones who offer them structure and encouragement. The Caritas homeless shelter Gruft offers people in need and their faithful companions a place of refuge, accommodation and washing facilities, hot meals and a sympathetic ear. However, this is only possible thanks to donations in cash and in kind, which is why we are very happy to support the facility with a donation of food," says Marius Baumeister, Business Executive Officer (BEO) at Nestlé PURINA Austria.
"For homeless people, winter is the hardest time of the year. That's why it's important that we as a society show solidarity with those who are having a particularly hard time right now. With their donation, Penny and PURINA are helping the clients of the Gruft to take good care of their four-legged friends over the holidays, relieving them of a major worry. We see time and again how important animals are for many homeless people, as they are often the last social contact they have left. It is a wonderful Christmas present for our clients to be able to give their animal companions this donation," says Klaus Schwertner, Caritas Director of the Archdiocese of Vienna.
More information is available at www.penny.at
