Related Celebrities

Stars help homeless animals

Author: Malaya
Column: Entertainment

The 2nd floor atrium of SM Mall of Asia was recently dazzling with the stars who came to show their support for the plight of stray and abused animals with the launch of "Homeless, not Worthless," a fund-raising and advocacy campaign by Purina and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society. This collaboration is an exclusive tie-up with SM Malls and enjoins the public to help homeless animals by raising funds to support PAWS or by adopting one of the many rehabilitated animals at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC).

"Purina is committed to making pets lives better," says Sandra Puno, Nestlé Purinas Communications Director. "This extends to unfortunate animals who dont have a home of their own. Through this campaign, Purina hopes to give them a better life." Purina is a subsidiary of Nestlé and the maker of dog and cat food brands such as ALPO, FRISKIES and PRO PLAN.

Leading the launch of the "Homeless but not Worthless" campaign were Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, president of PAWS, Anna Cabrera, program director of PAWS; Nandu Nandkishore, president and CEO of Nestle Philippines; and Annie Garcia, president of SM Shopping Center Management Corporation

During the event hosted by top model Paolo Paraiso, high-profile celebrities cuddled up to some of PAWSs adorable dogs and cats present. Passionate about this cause were veteran musician Louie Heredia and celebrity PAWS volunteer Toni Rose Gayda. Louie, a feline aficionado, encouraged his fans to adopt cats, saying, "There are so many homeless cats around, and just imagine what they go through everyday. The best way we all can help is to give them proper homes. Theyre the sweetest animals once you get to know them."

On the other hand, Toni Rose loves animals so much that she has rescued several dogs and cats with PAWS for three years.

Also on hand were some of the prettiest faces in show business, namely Nadine Samonte and Yasmien Kurdi, as well as up-and-coming talents Rita Iringan, Ariel and Maverick, Dominic Roco, Jace Flores Jr. and singing sensation Nyoy Volante.

The campaign kicked off with a formal turn-over ceremony of the "GaraPAWS" from the executives of PAWS and Nestlé to SM Supermalls. The "GaraPAWS", a small, red plastic jars where the public can drop their donations, will be placed in strategic locations at participating SM Malls such as the department store, the supermarket, Ace Hardware and Toy Kingdom.

Also unveiled was the Purina-PAWS Mobile launch pad where concerned citizens can donate bigger amounts or adopt pets directly from the PAWS Rehabilitation Center.

Source: Malaya