Successful appeals ends 2008 on a high!

After months of preparation, the 2008 SAFE Street Appeal turned out to be a big success thanks to all the hard work of a large number of staff and volunteers around the country.

The SAFE appeal held in late 2008 (19-20 December) was SAFE's eighth annual street appeal. Appeal organisers coordinated almost 1300 caring kiwis in 47 cities or towns around the country. Collectors donned brightly coloured animal costumes to entice donations from the public, and had fun while doing it.

A grand total of $290,000 was raised by SAFE collectors right around the country.

"The record number of collectors and the national total demonstrate that the level of support for SAFE and the animals remains strong despite the financial situation," says Sacha Dowell, national appeal coordinator. "We are elated that the street appeal still raised a significant amount which SAFE can use in its programs against animal cruelty".

Appeal coordinators were positive after the appeal, and rightly so, as all centres did extremely well this year, some doubling the amount collected in the previous year, or in some cases, making a huge increase. A big thank you to all the appeal organisers for the time and effort they donated to SAFE and for making the appeal such a success.

Some centres were unlucky enough to experience bad weather, which reduced numbers of potential donators on the streets. In Christchurch, collectors came back wet and cold but were surprisingly upbeat, laughing and reporting that the costumes made a difference in getting attention from the public.

The Wellington team were especially unfortunate with driving rain and last-minute problems creating much stress for the organisers. However the stress turned to excitement when they realised that SAFE had collected a record amount of donations in Wellington!

Some other highlights:

In Christchurch the SAFE office went from quiet to crazy when the Vegetarian Youth Group arrived to collect! 25 adults and children dressed up in various animal costumes from a bee to a dinosaur to a cow and a chicken. After two hours they came back with over $1100 between them, well done guys.

Numerous newspapers around the country ran articles before or after the appeal, many with fantastic pictures of SAFE collectors dressed in full appeal gear.

Nearly 300 businesses allowed us to collect on their properties, which brought in a large chunk of the appeal total given the high volume of foot traffic in the pre-Christmas period.

SAFE wishes to extend a warm thanks to everyone involved in this year's appeal. We wish you a compassionate New Year.

THANK YOU, NEW ZEALAND!

Kiwis may be feeling depressed and uncertain about the state of the economy but initial reports from appeal coordinators reveal New Zealander's still remain well spirited and giving when it comes to animals.

The SAFE appeal held last weekend (19-20 December) marked the eighth annual street appeal that involved coordinating over 1200 caring kiwis in 47 cities or towns around the country. Many collectors donned brightly coloured animal costumes to entice donations from the public. While the level of support for SAFE and the animals remains strong, there was a noticeable reduction in the amounts being donated.

"People were apologising to collectors that they were unable to donate more," says SAFE director Anthony Terry. We are still heartened at the kiwi attitude that clearly wants to help animals, even at times of financial crisis."

HELP THE ANIMALS, SANTA!

Wishful children seeking a place on Santa's knee this Christmas will be joined by battery hens, pregnant sows and even the occasional overworked reindeer. The furry, costume-clad menagerie is asking Santa to grant their real animal friends a more compassionate life in New Zealand.

The portly, red-bellied fellow is being asked to do what he can for the animals this Christmas by SAFE.

"Don't be surprised to see some furry or feathered friends jostling for a turn on Santa's knee this year. They will be asking Santa to help their less fortunate animal friends have a life free from pain or abuse," says appeal organiser Sacha Dowell.

FEELING GOOD COLLECTING...

People loved helping out during SAFE's annual appeal. This is what some collectors had to say:

"I felt like I was doing something positive to help animals, people were mainly friendly and supportive, and they have some cool costumes!" - Jo, Wellington

"I enjoyed the interaction with people. I took my corgi, who proved to be a great attraction!" - Margaret, Christchurch

"I liked the fact that so many people were very happy to donate. I'm glad that other people care too!" - Jojo, Dunedin

"It restored my faith in humanity. So many people gave, so few declined." - Tracy, Hamilton