Originally published on LinkedIn by Poul Weihrauch, Global President at Mars Petcare

As this pandemic continues to rip up the rules of daily life, those of us with the means to help have a duty to do so.

For many, this period of lockdown is presenting a very new set of challenges. Home schooling our children while trying to work. Staying in touch with extended family and friends when being in the same place is off-limits. Finding ways to support our mental and physical wellbeing despite the enforced isolation. And all, of course, while protecting ourselves against the threat of COVID-19 itself. 

It’s a challenge that I’m proud to say Mars, Incorporated is meeting head-on. Together, across our business, Mars recently announced $20 million in cash and in-kind relief for vulnerable populations across the world, including the pets, people and communities that mean so much to us. 

This relief fund includes a $1 million donation to support the great work of Humane Society International. The organization is dedicated to providing critical support to millions of vulnerable pets across the world, to help cats and dogs that have been abandoned, left behind or surrendered to shelters by owners who’ve fallen ill or no longer have the financial means to care for them. 

For those of us fortunate enough to have animals in our lives, the companionship, love and comfort they bring probably has never felt more important. Our Mars Petcare purpose has always been to create A Better World for Pets™ and in these uncertain and challenging times, it remains our guiding light. 

So, in addition to the support for HSI, and as part of the $20 million Mars relief funding, we’re working across the Petcare business to provide millions of dollars of pet food donations worldwide, nearly $1 million in grants through Pedigree Foundation and Banfield Foundation to support shelters and rescues and ensure care for vulnerable pets both during and after this crisis, as well as other donations and support. 

I am proud of these contributions and I know our Mars Associates are too.

Our relief efforts are particularly made in celebration of them. I am prouder than ever of the passion, resourcefulness and commitment of our 85,000 Petcare Associates who—while ensuring a safe working environment in our factories, pet centres, laboratories, veterinary hospitals or home offices—continue to focus on the important work of creating A Better World for Pets™.

To them, I say thank you. 

Thank you for commitment, creativity and resolve to helping us continue to do what we do best: creating a world where pets can be healthy, happy and welcome.  

As this pandemic continues to rip up the rules of daily life, those of us with the means to help have a duty to do so. Not with words or plans but with real actions. For pets, owners and animal lovers alike, we’re in this together, and we’ll get through this together.