Wishing zoo a merry Christmas

Michael Olney

Animal charities in Cork are set to benefit from a Christmas campaign just launched by one of the country’s largest pet food and accessory retailers.

Last week, Maxi Zoo Ireland launched its Shelter Wishes campaign for the month of December, which will see 29 animal charities across 15 counties benefit.

The campaign encourages Maxi Zoo Ireland customers to donate instore to the campaign by picking a wish from the Christmas tree in their local store, buying the gift on the wish card for the chosen charity, and the putting the gift under the tree for the charity to collect before Christmas.

Through the campaign, Cork charities West Cork Animal Welfare, Pauline’s Rescue, DAWG, and CSPCA will receive products from under the Christmas trees at the Maxi Zoo stores in Ballincollig, Midleton, Blackpool and Mahon respectively, to make the festive season extra special for the animals in its care.

Head of Marketing at Maxi Zoo Ireland, Anthony Cremin, said: “This year we’re helping organisations that look after dogs, cats, horses, and other wildlife, and all these volunteer groups desperately need funding to survive. It’s heartwarming to see how much Maxi Zoo Ireland customers across the country get behind the Shelter Wishes Campaign, helping to make Christmas special for so many animals in need.”

During the month of December last year, Shelter Wishes saw over 2,000 wishes granted for less fortunate animals. The campaign is one of many ways in which Maxi Zoo Ireland is involved with the welfare of animals. It also partnered with Husky Rescue Ireland in November of this year, to raise money for the organisation through its Together for Pets Pendants campaign.

A full list of the benefiting charities for the 2023 Shelter Wishes campaign can be found at maxizoo.ie/shelterwishes.