Abandoned pets across the country are expected to benefit from a program intended to bring in food and supplies for animal shelters in cities with Maurices clothing stores.
According to a joint news release from the company and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more than 700 Maurices stores in 44 states will be hosts for pet-themed “Rescues and Runways” fashion shows from now through the end of September.
The Emporia Maurices store will hold its fashion show Sept. 26, in conjunction with the Flinthills Mall’s tent sale, according to store manager Taverli Orr.
The mall and other merchants also are planning activities that will be announced later.
“Along with the fashion show, we’ll be showing adoptable pets,” Orr said.
Throughout September, customers are encouraged to bring in pet supplies and foods to the Maurices store. Donors will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one regularly priced item, with a campaign goal of collecting 500,000 pounds of supplies nationwide.
The drive to help support abandoned pets grew from the economic downturn in recent months. As families face difficult financial times, they are surrendering their dogs, cats and other pets to animal shelters at an alarming rate, according to Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Maurices.
The fashion shows will feature local models along with adoptable pets walking the runways with the latest fashion looks sold by the company.
“Our hope is to garner attention and support for the shelters,” Behrens said. “Ultimately, we hope to encourage people to adopt an animal from a shelter so as to provide a loving home to a ‘forever friend.’”
The store also will sell Friends for Life charms for $5 each. The charms are promoted as a reminder of the special bond humans share with their pets.
“It’s a token of unconditional love,” Behrens said.
The owner can wear half of the charm, while the other half is worn by the pet.
For every charm sold, the company will give $2.50 to support the ASPCA and its national shelter outreach program. The national organization will receive a minimum of $50,000 from Maurices, with a goal of raising more than $100,000.
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 and is the first humane organization established in America, according to a news release.
dirtydeeds (anonymous) says...
What happened to all the threads about Madelyn's? All the KDOR stories are gone too, is that no longer newsworthy???
September 5, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )