Adventist Students Donate Almost One Ton of Food to NGOs

{Jose?}, who passed by Dario Salles Square in downtown Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Sunday morning, June 4, 2023, noticed an unusual movement: There were dozens of dogs and cats, as well as some rabbits and hamsters.

The animals were under the care of their guardians, and the reason for the mobilization was due to the Happy Pet Day event, promoted by the Adventist College of Joinville – Saguaçu, with the purpose of collecting and donating pet food to two animal protection organizations in the city: Turma do Gatil and Lar de Resgatados Casa da Mama.

As explained by Nara Falcão, principal of the college, the collection project began at the end of last month at school and counted on the engagement of parents, students, and servers. The closing of the campaign took place with the event in the square.

Involvement of Students and Family Members

Luana Ribeiro is one of the mothers of students who donated pet food for the Happy Pet Day campaign. "We collected 21 kilos of pet food. I am a personal trainer, and my son made a video asking my students to help. Some of them donated money, and some of them donated pet food. And he is very happy with the result! And I think a social action like this is really cool because it engages children to look out for their neighbor," she says.

Luana Ribeiro carries one of the feed packages during the event (Photo: Paulo Ribeiro)

Darci Venâncio, father of two students at the Adventist College of Joinville, also donated food for the campaign. “We know that there are many animals without a home. Without any doubt, these donations will make a difference in the lives of these animals. If everyone helps a little bit, in the end, the result will be huge," he emphasizes.

Free Services at the Square

In addition to the family outing and the interaction with the pets, the event in the square offered some free services, such as veterinary assessments and orientation, giveaways for pet care, and an agility course, which is a kind of circuit for dogs that has several obstacles and equipment to exercise the animal.

Cat Adoption

Turma do Gatil, one of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that will receive the donations of food, was on site with some kittens for adoption. Some families took the opportunity and adopted the animals.

Photo: Paulo Ribeiro