There is hope for Friendicoes: Animal lovers raise Rs 13 lakhs in a day after NGO faces funds crunch

Delhi-based animal welfare NGO Friendicoes, working to provide care for our four-legged friends since it was established in 1979, is now being forced to down its shutters due to a lack of funds.

According to report in India Today , Friendicoes has a total debt of about Rs 82 lakh and even the Municipal Corporation of Delhi owes it Rs 38 lakh since October, 2014. However, there is hope for Friendicoes and for the animals to whom it gives love and shelter.

When Friendicoes said it was on the verge of shutting down, animal lovers all over India took notice. According to a report in The Better India, people across India have raised Rs 13 lakh in a single day to help Friendicoes survive and continue doing its good work. The report says the NGO needs Rs 20 lakh more to continue its operations and will also need continuous support to carry on its work. A collection drive will also take place at National Park behind Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi from 26 to 28 August.

When the news of Friendicoes’ financial troubles came up, an online campaign was started to raise funds for the beloved animal welfare NGO. Friendicoes asked for help, and animal lovers responded.

“Friendicoes is not only a shelter. It is a way of life for many. It is a place to learn patience, perseverance and compassion. It is a place where one feels gratitude for the marvelous courage one sees everyday, for the lessons learnt from the animals that fight pain, live when we think it is impossible, enjoy life against all odds and are happy with the very little life sends their way. While we see the limitations, the animals see how much fun they can have in the now. It’s a place where you are always loved unconditionally by the animals. It’s a place of great solace, of healing and caring for the hundreds of souls that pass through our doors as well as for us who work in there…”  This is what Geeta Seshamani co-founder and vice-president, Friendicoes SECA said in an appeal for support.

Social media and even celebrities have taken up the cause and are calling for more support for Friendicoes.

10 lakhs crossed in 1 day, more than half way there! What heartening support for @Friendicoes_DEL pls keep giving at http://t.co/cmIm4KbKR0

— Soha Ali Khan (@sakpataudi) August 25, 2015

Pls check this out and contribute "Let's save Friendicoes from shutting down". Go to http://t.co/GMFIbCle5B

— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 24, 2015

.@Friendicoes_DEL, rescuers of animals are suffering because of lack of funds. #SupportThem - http://t.co/io2aSWst3h pic.twitter.com/9Rtg7mHTPm

— RedFMIndia (@RedFMIndia) August 25, 2015

As of today, almost Rs 22 lakhs have been raised.  But, more is needed. By saving Friendicoes, one will be saving thousands of animals in need of love and care. Be a friend to Friendicoes and chip in. You can contribute here.