In the fight against hunger, I AM HOME was created by IAMS to help make a difference in pet rescue.
The goal of the I AM HOME programme was to help nourish homeless pets’ hungry tummies in times of need, as well as supporting the incredible rescue staff and volunteers.
Established in 2017, the I AM HOME charitable initiative donates a minimum of one million meals to rescue centres each year, and now supports more than 60 pet rescues across the country. The programme has grown in popularity meaning that IAMS now provide healthy and nutritious food donations to centres across the UK each month.
The COVID pandemic has accelerated the demand for pets, with reports showing that since lockdown, inquiries for rehoming pets has doubled. And, as such, behind the closed doors of locked-down rescue centres, the incredible work provided by volunteers has multiplied.
Raising funds has never been so challenging for staff, hence why receiving substantial IAMS food donations every month has given them an important lifeline.
Commenting on their involvement with I AM HOME, Anna Stansfield, Branch Manager at Cheshire Dogs Home said: “With 41 dogs at our centre, the food donations from IAMS have been invaluable. Our team works tirelessly to find our pets a loving and caring forever home, but it’s equally important that while they are here at the centre, we keep them healthy and happy and IAMS is helping us to do that.”
Tracy Benjamin, Branch Manager at Wonky Pet Rescue added: “Without IAMS’ fantastic support, this year would have been so difficult. Thanks to them we haven’t needed to worry about food for the many animals in our care. What they do for us is beyond amazing.”
IAMS Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli commented: “By working closely with our charity partners we hope to raise awareness of the need for forever homes for the thousands of cats and dogs in need of love and affection. Adopting a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience and we want to celebrate that. Furthermore, we want to support the never- ending work carried out by rescue and rehoming centres across the country who look after these cats and dogs and help them find a loving home.”
The I AM HOME programme is supported by Miracle and his adoptive family – Amanda, Tobias and Kyle Leask. Miracle was rescued from the meat trade and adopted by Amanda in 2014. In 2020, Miracle and Amanda told their heart-warming story on Britain’s Got Talent, which had the judges in tears, and secured them a place in the final with their sensational magic act. Miracle’s rescue and incredible life today shows the difference that love, compassion and care can make, and it is this that IAMS provide by feeding so many homeless pets living in rescue centres.
In addition to supporting pets at rescue centres, IAMS has set up a dedicated I AM HOME community on Facebook, allowing pet owners to celebrate their adopted pets in their new forever homes. Members share their own heart-warming stories about their adopted pets, while IAMS’ partner charities also use the group to raise awareness of the cats and dogs still waiting for their forever home, in the hopes of finding prospective new pet parents. The group aims to educate members about pet adoption by providing advice and support for those considering rehoming a cat or dog.
Find out more about the I AM HOME initiative here.
