Like many, Jonathan Delgado and Catherine Bird first learned about the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) when they adopted a new family member, a tuxedo cat they named Nippy. Jonathan and Catherine have always been cat lovers, but adopting Nippy was inspired by their daughter Athena’s desire for a kitten. An excellent companion to all, she could be found sleeping in bed with guests, slipping into Athena’s dressing clothes, providing bereavement support when other siblings passed by and to surprise the tradesmen while they were working in the house.
When Athena left for college, Jonathan wanted to do something meaningful with his free time, which ultimately led him to start volunteering with the ARL.
Drawing on his years of experience with cats, ARL’s Director of Volunteer Engagement suggested Jonathan start as a feline friend, looking after the cats on Monday mornings. Not much has changed: that was 10 years ago, and since then, Jonathan has worked the same job as a feline friend almost every Monday!
Volunteering has given Jonathan tremendous perspective and insight into the work ARL does for animals and people in need. Jonathan noted that the various reasons why an animal may be entrusted to ARL has given him a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those who must make difficult decisions regarding their animals. He has witnessed the impact of ARL’s community programs that aim to keep pets with their families and the in-depth care provided to animals who needed to find new homes.
Jonathan and Catherine recognized ARL’s impact on the community and decided to put ARL at the forefront of their giving. Nearly ten years ago, they chose to become monthly contributors thanks to the Circle of Championsand their dedication has not wavered.
They decided to start giving monthly to help alleviate the seasonal giving imbalance. Catherine says: “Many don’t realize that organizations are idling while waiting for the massive influx of donations at the end of the year. » Their commitment as a monthly donor contributes to the smooth running of operations throughout the year. Jonathan notes that monthly giving also makes it easier to reach their goals by spreading donations throughout the year. This allows them to “set it and forget it” while still having a measurable impact for ARL and the animals we serve.
The couple feels fortunate to be able to support ARL in a meaningful way as they do and hope that their donations will allow ARL to continue its impact work in the community for animals and the people who love them. Jonathan and Catherine’s generosity ensures ARL’s ability to achieve this. ARL is extremely grateful to have them as friends, adopters and benefactors of ARL.
September is Circle of Champions month
Half of our donations arrive in the last four months of the year – and most in the last two weeks of December – yet animals need help every day.
So why wait until the holidays to help?
You can support animals in need ALL YEAR ROUND by joining the Circle of Championsa monthly donation program that is similar to a subscription to save animals. Join today.