Renovation work a showcase of continued partner commitment and community support
TORONTO, June 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Animals at the Toronto Humane Society will be spending more time outside this summer thanks to the Paws for the Planet initiative, a program established by Purina and Evergreen to create a better, greener world for people and their pets. Communities across the country are pitching in to create safe and sustainable spaces for shelter animals to enjoy while they wait for their forever homes.
The Toronto Humane Society (THS) was the fourth of seven shelters across Canada to receive the green treatment as Purina and Evergreen joined together to renovate the renowned shelter that has been helping animals for decades. Last year, Paws for the Planet visited five shelters across Canada, including Toronto, where the team created rooftop gardens with a variety of animal-friendly plants.
This year the team picked up where they left off by renovating the outdoor dog park. "Although we try to walk our dogs for about 90 minutes each day, we also want them to have time to play," says Barbara Steinhoff, Executive Director of the THS. "We're so excited that the Paws for the Planet program is back this year to renovate our dog park to allow them safe off-leash time."
The team planted trees along the fence line to keep pets away from outside distractions and provide shade, and built play structures and a 'dog boardwalk'.
"Outdoor green spaces are so important for animals," says Stephanie Deotto, Shopper Marketing Manager, Nestlé Purina PetCare. "We're thrilled to help create a space where the dogs can be dogs. Purina is proud to be driving this program that is enriching the lives of pets across Canada by creating safer, playful and more eco-conscious green spaces."
Canadians can join the initiative and learn how to reduce their pet's eco-paw print by visiting www.pawsfortheplanet.ca. They can also enter the contest online to win one of three $5000 backyard makeovers to create more green space at home to enjoy with their pets. With every contest entry, Purina will donate $5 (up to a maximum of $50,000) to Evergreen's Stewardship and Restoration/Urban Ecology program to engage people in creating, restoring and stewarding accessible public green spaces across Canada.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada
Nestlé Purina PetCare is a leading pet care company and global manufacturer of quality and nutritious pet food brands such as Pro Plan(R), Purina ONE(R), Dog Chow(R), Alpo(R), Beneful(R), Beggin' Strips(R), T-Bonz(R), Cat Chow(R), Friskies(R), Fancy Feast(R), Luv(R), and cat box filler brands such as Maxx(R) Scoop Multi-Cat. Our promise, Your Pet, Our Passion(R), and the creation of PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre, the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame(TM), reflects our commitment to pets and promoting responsible pet care. Purina is the proud sponsor of The Purina National(R) and the Lions Foundation of Canada Purina(R) Walk for Dog Guides.
About Evergreen
Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization that makes cities more livable. By deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments, Evergreen is improving the health of our cities - now and for the future. Since 1991, it has engaged people in creating and sustaining healthy, dynamic outdoor spaces across Canada - in schools, communities and homes. Its entrepreneurial approach to social responsibility creates vibrant neighbourhoods, a healthy natural environment and a sustainable society for all. To learn more please visit www.evergreen.ca.
Image with caption: "Purina, Evergreen and Toronto Humane Society volunteers come together to renovate the dog park as part of the 'Paws for the Planet' initiative at the renowned Toronto shelter on Thursday, June 12, 2014. (CNW Group/Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140612_C2765_PHOTO_EN_3632.jpg
Image with caption: "Remington gets a sneak peek at the renovated dog park built by 'Paws for the Planet' volunteers at the Toronto Humane Society on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Volunteers include teams from Purina, Evergreen and the Toronto Humane Society. (CNW Group/Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140612_C2765_PHOTO_EN_3633.jpg
Image with caption: "Purina, Evergreen and Toronto Humane Society volunteers get their paws dirty while renovating the dog park as part of the 'Paws for the Planet' initiative at the renowned Toronto shelter on Thursday, June 12, 2014. (CNW Group/Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140612_C2765_PHOTO_EN_3634.jpg
SOURCE: Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada
Robyn Hunt, APEX PR, [email protected], O: 416.934.2105, M: 416.816.7896
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