Actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson is calling on Brits to show their support for shelter pets, as Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches a campaign in collaboration with pet charity Blue Cross. Gemma, pet parent to Spaniel and Sproodle Ollie and Norman and President of The Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, is asking pet owners to share pictures of their furry friends using #MissionForeverFriend across Instagram and Facebook. For each picture shared, Hill’s will donate a bowl of food to the cause.
Throughout April, Hill’s aims to provide 150,000 meals across participating countries to shelter pets in need, ensuring they receive balanced nutrition, so they are happy, healthy, and ready to find the loving and lasting homes they deserve.
Following the success of last year’s campaign, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is partnering with Blue Cross to help feed dogs and cats in need, as the charity marks its 125th anniversary.
Gemma Atkinson commented: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s ability to care for their pets and shelters across the country have been working tirelessly to help the lives of the many animals in their care.
“The welcome return of #MissionForeverFriend means the Blue Cross will be able to provide pets with the nutritional support they need while they wait for their forever homes.
“I am honoured to be supporting Hill’s again this year, and by using #MissionForeverFriend animal lovers can show their support and give those in need the second chance they deserve”.
In addition to posting a picture of their furry friend on social, pet owners can share a picture of their pet using a virtual “add yours” sticker as a fun way to show support. The virtual sticker can be accessed on Hill’s Instagram page @hillspetukireland.
Mary Haisman, corporate partnerships manager at Blue Cross said: “We’re so unbelievably grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for supporting Blue Cross.
“This year marks our 125th year anniversary as a charity and because of supporters like Hill’s we will continue to change lives for pets and their people, through access to exceptional pet welfare services, care, and support – ensuring that more relationships between pets and people can thrive”.
Hillary Noyes, Hill’s vet affairs manager, UK and Republic of Ireland, added: “The return of #MissionForeverFriend means we can help support shelter pets at a time when they need it most. This campaign, alongside Gemma’s invaluable support, will provide much-needed nutrition to thousands of innocent animals up and down the country, and help support shelters who continue to deal with the influx of post-lockdown impulse pet purchases.
“The partnership with Blue Cross on their 125th anniversary means we will be able to reach more animals than ever before and together, make an impact to improve the quality of life for animals in need”.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition UK and Ireland is proud to be partnering with the Blue Cross, with the aim to provide forever homes for shelter pets and offer support and advice for pet owners.
To learn more about #MissionForeverFriend and find ways you can help shelter pets find their forever homes, visit MissionForeverFriend.