The human-animal bond is unlike any other. We don’t speak the same language, yet that proves to be no obstacle for the invisible tie that binds us with our pets. It’s a relationship unlike any other. Despite all our differences, animals and humans bring out the best in each other and the Humane Society of Charlotte brings this reality to homes across the city and beyond every day.
The mission of the Humane Society of Charlotte is to deliver effective, innovative services that strengthen the human-animal bond and improve the lives of companion animals and the people who care about them. In other words, the Humane Society exists to see humans and animals become family.
"Until there are none, rescue one." Animal Adoption League's motto gets straight to the heart of their approach as a foster-based rescue organization: they won't give up until they have found loving homes for every animal that comes to them in need.
When a small group of women in York County, South Carolina became concerned over the growing number of homeless animals being destroyed at their local animal shelter in the early 90s, they decided to take action - and the Animal Adoption League was born.
Since becoming a nonprofit in 1992, AAL has paired more than 5,500 animals with loving adoptive families in several Southeastern states.
I love dogs. I do. I grew up with dogs as pets. My parents got our first family dog around the time I was born and for my first 12 years of life, Chester was always by my side. When Chester passed, we had another dog. And now as an adult, I have two very loving -- and slightly spoiled -- rescue dogs. I can’t imagine not having a dog.
We also happened to live down the street from what is now the Guide Dogs of America training facility. Back in the 1980s, the organization primarily trained German Shepherds to be used as seeing-eye dogs for those with visual impairments. It was the first time I realized dogs were more than just pets to some people.
While my dogs serve no other purpose than companionship to me and my family, many dogs are being trained to provide Charlotteans with some very special services.
This December, SHARE Charlotte’s Spotlight Series: #AnimalsofCLT will focus in on our local nonprofit partners who care for the animals of Charlotte that are in need of shelter, food, rehabilitation or maybe even a companion. The nonprofit organizations we are highlighting this month serve the #AnimalsofCLT in a variety of different ways, all equally important to the wellbeing of our furry, feathered, and fanged friends.
SHARE Charlotte’s Spotlight Series: #AnimalsofCLT is presented by Parachute Media. Parachute Media is a forward thinking advertising agency with a heart for animals. Stay tuned this month as we explore the ways in which Parachute Media supports the #AnimalsofCLT as a company and why they wanted to help SHARE Charlotte spread the word about these incredible, local organizations.
Consuella Harge isn't just beating the odds - she's beating all the odds.
The single mother of Corvair, 11 and Grace, 4 is a Senior pursuing a degree in mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science from UNC Charlotte. And she hasn't let a medical disability stop her from achieving her goals and showing her children that education is a top priority.
We are incredibly grateful to have AFP Charlotte (The Association of Fundraising Professionals) on board as a sponsor for this year's #GivingTuesdayCLT! The work that AFP does in Charlotte to foster development and growth of fundraising professionals and promote high ethical standards in the fundraising profession is incredibly important and plays a large role in strengthening our community. If you are not familiar with AFP Charlotte, allow us to introduce you! Check out this quick Q&A:
Why did AFP decide to move the date of National Philanthropy Day to Nov. 27th this year?
Right off N Trade St in downtown Matthews, a thrift boutique sits offering the passing cars the illusion of your average clothing store. In reality, ZABS Place is anything but average. If you actually parked the car and walked inside, you'll see a distinctive selection of donated goods at great values. With items for sale ranging from basic household products to designer clothing, ZABS Place is already proving to be more than meets the eye. Now, look closer. That's it.
In additional well-known brands, ZABS Place also sells items such as hand-crafted jewelry and unique knick-knacks created by extraordinary people. Who, you ask? The answer is right in front of you. Take your eyes off the items and see the people.
Ubuntu is not commonly included in orientation at most schools, nor is it part of every day conversation in most English-speaking circles, but at (Knowledge is Power Program (aka KIPP: Academy Charlotte), this is their mantra. Ubuntu is an African word meaning, “I am who I am because of who WE all are.” There’s no denying we are intertwined. SHARE Charlotte is honored to be a partner with KIPP: Academy Charlotte, a free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public school serving almost more than 800 students in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th-8th grades. KIPP: Academy Charlotte serves communities traditionally underserved and marginalized in education.
Children born into poverty in Charlotte have the lowest odds in the country of rising above that poverty. Homelessness in the Queen City is up 13 percent over last year. Eviction filings are up too - to more than 29,000. Nearly 40,000 families in Mecklenburg County spend more than half of their income on rent.
If you read these stats and think, "Charlotte can do better," then you really need to meet Sonja Chisholm.
"I always knew I wanted to help the homeless, and I would say, 'When I win the lottery, then I'll open up a women's shelter,'" says Sonja, a native Charlottean. "Well, one day God spoke to me and he said, 'When I gave you the vision, that was you winning the lottery."
#GivingTuesdayCLT would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors! Lowe's does a whole of GOOD for the Charlotte community that you may not know about, read below to hear about it in their own words with a quick Q&A!
*Want to see some of this generosity in action? Join SHARE Charlotte and Lowe's at the "Build It Forward" station at the #GivingTuesdayCLT World Headquarters (aka Wells Fargo Atrium) on November 27th and you could help SHARE Charlotte gift $25,000 in Lowe's gift cards to local nonprofits (while supplies last)!
A few GOOD questions for Lowe's...
Why did Lowe’s decide to sponsor #GivingTuesdayCLT this year?
Lowe’s is committed to supporting the communities where we live, work and play, and Charlotte is our hometown!
We have so much great news to share from our nonprofit partners about their amazing work. But, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know if you have stories you'd like to tell and we'll make you a guest blogger!!
