Rescues and Runways

Posted by Aimee

September 12, 2009

I was very excited when the email came through about Rescues and Runways! maurices, a shop that I often find great clothes in, has become involved in the cause of finding animals homes. Together with the ASPCA, their Rescues and Runways program hopes to find homes for pets, and raise money for shelters.

Homeless Pets Need More Help Than Ever Before
maurices Launches National Rescues & Runways Campaign to Help
Duluth, Minn. (August 20, 2009) – The struggling economy is taking its toll on animal shelters across the country. Families who are facing hard financial times are being forced to surrender their dogs, cats and other pets to animal shelters at an alarming rate. In turn, animal shelters are having a hard time keeping up because while demand for their services is skyrocketing, financial donations to these shelters—also due to the economy—are dramatically declining. In response, maurices is launching a nation-wide effort to support local shelters and the animals they help. Rescues & Runways will sweep the country during the month of September. More than 700 maurices stores in 44 states will each host pet-themed fashion shows, partner with their local animal shelter, sponsor pet supply drives to support their local shelter, and sell a special charm to benefit the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

“Given the crisis that animals and animal shelters are facing, we are confident that they could use our help,” said Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “By shining the spotlight on these animals—and with our customers’ and associates’ passionate support for this worthy cause—I know we can make a difference.”

Each Rescues & Runways fashion show will feature models from each community walking the runway with the latest fall looks from maurices, along with a pet, of course, that is available for adoption. “Our hope is to garner attention and support for the shelters. Ultimately, we hope to encourage people to adopt an animal from a shelter so as to provide a loving home to a ‘forever friend,’” explained Behrens.
Throughout September, people within these communities are encouraged to support their local animal shelter by bringing pet supplies to their local maurices store. Customers who bring in a donation will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one regular-priced item. The campaign goal is to collect 500,000 pounds of supplies across the nation.

Also recognizing pet lovers’ devotion to their own pets, maurices is introducing a limited edition Friends
for Life Charm; a celebration of the special bond people share with their furry friends. “It’s a token of
unconditional love,” said Behrens. “Women can wear half of the charm, while the other half of the
charm is worn by their pet.” The Friends for Life Charm is just $5 and will be sold in all maurices stores from mid-September through October 31. For every charm purchased, $2.50 will go to support the ASPCA and its national shelter outreach program. The ASPCA will receive a minimum donation of $50,000 from maurices with an ultimate goal of raising more than $100,000.

“We are thrilled that maurices will be introducing this charm to the pet-loving public,” said Jo Sullivan, ASPCA executive vice president of external affairs. “Customers will feel good knowing their donation helps the ASPCA save the lives of countless animals each day.”

Visit maurices website to find a store near you, and to see if a Rescues and Runways event is being held.