MANILA, Philippines - “We’ve been looking for The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for the longest time,” says Jo Dy Juanco, vice president for SM Kids Fashion. “First because we know that kids are the biggest pet lovers in the world. And secondly, we wanted to do a collection that is in line with what kids love most and at the same time be able to help animals in need.”
Dy Juanco visited the PAWS Animal Shelter to discuss the details of the proposed partnership and found herself falling in love with the dogs and cats in the facility.
She was particularly drawn to Ernest, a brown and white Aspin who was found badly injured by the roadside. PAWS shelter vet Dr. Wilford Almoro told her how a bone-pin surgery sponsored by a few kind-hearted individuals saved Ernest’s life.
“This is the work that we want to support,” adds Dy Juanco. “I know that the supporters of SM Kids Fashion are very interested in making a contribution towards helping these animals.”
Dy Juanco also learned how PAWS struggles with its operating costs of P200,000 a month for food and medicine of the 300 animals in the shelter plus the utilities and salaries of a handful of people taking care of them.
Months were spent poring over designs submitted by PAWS volunteer artists that incorporated messages of love and concern for animals while still retaining the fun, colorful look that the JusTees brand is known for.
“We’re quite happy with how the T-shirts turned out,” says PAWS fundraising director Rich Ilustre.
The “JusTees for PAWS” T-shirts, which were launched at a fashion show during World Animal Day last October, were proudly worn by the SM Kids Fashion models as well as the dance students from RT Studios and by kids of PAWS celebrity supporters like Reigne and Reigen Vera-Perez, daughters of Lander Vera-Perez and Regine Tolentino, Vicente and Paul Andrei Hizon, sons of Vince and Patricia Hizon, and AJ Aquino, son of Ruby Rodriguez.
“We hope more people will buy the shirts for themselves or for gifts especially this coming Christmas season so that we can come up with a second batch of designs,” says Anna.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the T-shirts go to benefit animals in need like Ernest giving them a second chance at a good life.
JusTees for PAWS is available at the kids section all SM Department stores. Prices are from P179.75 to P249.75.