As a major sponsor of this year’s Pet Insurance Australia Companion Animal Rescue Awards, Ivory Coat is committed to building connections between people and pets.

Under the Ivory Coat brand, Real Pet Food Company offers its support to Australia’s first and only national award program that recognises rescues, shelters, companion animal welfare organisations, foster carers, and passionate pet adopters.

This year, Real Pet Food Company has donated over $500,000 worth of Ivory Coat products to charities, communities, shelters, and foster agencies, such as Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Aussie Helpers, Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Forever Friends Animal Rescue, and many others.

Connie MacLulich, Ivory Coat Brand Manager and Rescue Awards Judge, said foster carers and rescuers impact the lives of so many animals every year across Australia for the better and deserve to be recognised for the incredible work they do.

“Volunteering at your local rescue can be a rewarding experience, we strongly encourage anyone willing and able to speak to their local shelters and foster agencies to find out how they can help.”

One person who has seen the positive influence of becoming a foster carer is Bernadette Ellisha, who is a volunteer foster carer for rescue groups and an employee of Real Pet Food Company.

“Before Covid, I used to work in advertising – it was stressful, high-paced and competitive. During the pandemic, I realised life must have more meaning than this and decided to move to the pet care industry. I work with Ivory Coat as an e-commerce specialist and it’s rewarding to do what I love every day.”

Ellisha said that being a foster carer can be a challenging experience but finds resilience in seeing the transformation in her foster cats when they find their forever home.

“I fell in love with the rewarding aspect of rescuing animals. Volunteering is also a way of life for me. I feel connected to a bigger meaning in life and I’m not alone.

“I feel very proud that our company is helping to highlight the work done by the rescue community through the Companion Animal Rescue Awards. There is so much good work done by grassroots organisations. Many rescue leaders are constantly faced with heartbreaking situations. Having such a platform to acknowledge their excellent work is crucial to keeping up their morale and continue their good work.”

The Rescue Awards are open for entries until 31 July in which Pet adopters can share their story and enter the Ivory Coat People’s Rescue Story to win a $500 gift of their choice, an Ivory Coat pack worth $250 RRP and more prizes valued at $600. Finalists each get an Ivory Coat pack worth $50 RRP.

Foster carers can also enter by sharing their story of fostering a rescue pet and enter the the Ivory Coat Foster Carer Story to win a fabulous prize pack valued at $700 including an Ivory Coat pack worth $250 RRP. Finalists each get an Ivory Coat pack worth $50 RRP.

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