By Meredith Stafford-Chapman, Development Coordinator

Animal Friends has been an established resource in the Pittsburgh region since 1943, providing care and critical services to the animals and people in our community. In turn, our community has given back to us in invaluable ways through volunteer work, donations, fostering or adopting animals and so much more. Throughout the years, Animal Friends has been grateful to participate in employee giving programs, especially through annual United Way giving campaigns. Over 500 donors pledge an average of $50-150 each year through the United Way to Animal Friends for Veterans and Pet Assisted Therapy, or Therapets.

Participating employers include Duquesne Light, Giant Eagle, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Pittsburgh Regional Transit and UPMC – just to name a few! Our friend Jane Boyer is one of 112 employees who give a donation through UPMC via the United Way on a regular basis. Jane is the Vice President, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) at UPMC and was inspired to give to Animal Friends because “I love animals, I believe in [Animal Friends’] vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend and because of the incredibly valuable low or no cost programs and services they provide.”

While Jane lives in a more rural part of Pennsylvania, she has never formally adopted an animal but often takes in stray cats and dogs who wander onto their property, including her current pups Tigger and Pistol. Her dedication to the animals in her life has led Jane to become a passionate advocate, who understands the importance of the programs and services offered by Animal Friends. To Jane, these services “are so needed and so valuable that I didn’t think twice about donating. Keeping surrendered and rescued animals fed, housed and cared for requires a lot of resources. I may not be able to foster or volunteer, but I can help by donating. I’m not sure people realize how much impact even a small donation makes.”

Thanks to generous donors like Jane who give through the United Way, the impact felt by Animal Friends is significant. These funds go directly to the animals and pet owners alike, helping us continue and expand our lifesaving work. Employee giving programs through companies like UPMC are a simple way to give back to your community, while employees can choose which charitable organization receives their donation. Oftentimes, employees have the option to double their gift through matching opportunities as well. Jane knows that “everyone has personal connections to different organizations based on their own lives and experiences, so having a number of charitable organizations to choose from makes it that much easier. In addition to [UPMC’s] annual United Way campaign, we also have an annual Scouting for Food and Chow Wagon fundraiser. These are valuable programs and have a lot of participation!”

From volunteering to donating, the opportunities to get involved with Animal Friends are endless! Please consider making a pledge today through the United Way 2022-2023, through your employer or visit unitedway.org for more information.