Philanthropic Things You Can Do to Help Animals

Here are some fabulous philanthropic things you can do to help animals.


Garage and Yard Sales

You can find some treasures for your animal local shelter(s) by going to garage and yard sales. Pet and wildlife rescues use baby toys to entertain their animals; blankets and most standard pet supplies (aquariums, cat scratching posts, pet bowls) are always welcome donations. Even throwaways like cardboard boxes and plastic bags are useful for bedding and to pick up waste. You could also hold your own yard sale and donate the profits to your favorite shelter.


Knitting Party!

Shelters constantly need blankets to comfort and warm their animals, but many don’t have the means to provide soft, clean bedding. Hold a knitting party to make blankets (or other warm garments) for a needy shelter. Collect some yarn, fabric, and knitting equipment and gather with friends in a cafe or living room for a relaxed evening of friendly chit-chat or TV viewing while your hands keep busy making blankets.


Make Your Own Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

We all know the horrors of animal testing...but products that don’t test can be expensive and/or hard to find. This applies to items required for basic hygiene--toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant--as well as purely cosmetic beauty aids. To save money, you can have fun making your own cosmetic concoctions with all-natural vegan ingredients available at most health food stores. Recipes for vegan soap, vegan lotion, vegan shampoo, and other vegan necessities are readily available on the Internet, and can be left plain or scented with your own special blend of essential oils.


Build a Backyard Mini-Sanctuary

Depending on your funds and acreage, you could do any number of things to invite wildlife to your backyard. Something as simple as installing a small feeder could prevent birds from going hungry over the winter (make sure to research your favorite birds to learn what foods and feeder types attract them). You could even have a bat house for your sanctuary. If you have the space, plant native shrubs and wildflowers to attract native insects and animals, and install a birdbath or pond to keep animals clean and hydrate. Don't forget to keep cats inside and remove any lawn chemicals and chemical pesticides or your nice new sanctuary will become an animal death trap. 


Have an Animal Themed Fundraiser

Recently for her birthday, actress Doris Day had an auction and tribute dinner to benefit her animal foundation. You can do the same with your upcoming birthday, wedding or any special day. Doris Day’s bash included a doggie fashion show, but if that sort of thing is too gimmicky to fit in your plans, you can simply ask guests to donate to your favorite charity instead of bringing a gift. A menu of tasty vegan entree dishes and snacks would help set the right mood for the occasion!

(source: One Green Planet)