How the Better Together Fund supports BluePearl and Banfield Associates
BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital today announced it will work with Banfield Pet Hospital to support and expand its Associate relief program, the Better Together Fund. The program – which is now jointly funded by BluePearl, Banfield and their Associates, along with public donations – grants financial assistance to Associates experiencing hardships due to domestic violence or a natural or man-made disaster.
Through this partnership, we are now able to offer disaster relief to over 5,000 BluePearl Associates working at more than 80 hospitals in 25 states,” said Darryl Shaw, founder and Chief Executive Officer of BluePearl. “While we hope our Associates never have to face a hardship of any kind, this initiative tells them that they are not alone; the strength of the BluePearl and Banfield community is behind them. Every day, our Associates show kindness to clients and pets and now we can extend the same kindness to them.”
Associates impacted by natural or manmade disasters such as fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorism, and domestic violence can apply for a tax-free financial grant ranging between $500 and $3,000. These relief grants help provide essential, short-term living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, clothing and other necessities otherwise not covered by insurance.
At Banfield, we believe people, pets, and society are all connected,” said Brian Garish, president, Banfield Pet Hospital. “We are thrilled to be joined by BluePearl to increase the Better Together Fund’s impact to even more Associates in their times of need – and together, extend the same care to our people that they give to pets day in and day out.”
The Better Together Fund was developed by Banfield in 2016 in response to requests from Associates to help their colleagues in the aftermath of disasters. The fund is overseen by a board of directors and a grant selection committee comprised of BluePearl and Banfield Associates who volunteer their time. To date, Banfield has granted more than $160,000 through the fund. BluePearl will be making an initial donation to demonstrate its commitment to help Associates in need.
While the program was established to facilitate Associates helping other Associates in need, anyone can donate to the fund by visiting Banfield.com/Better-Together.
About BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital
Founded in 1996, BluePearl is one of the largest specialty and emergency veterinary practices in the U.S. today. BluePearl has more than 80 hospitals in 25 states that together employ 5,300+ Associates, including 1,100+ veterinarians, 2,850+ veterinary technicians, and 1,350+ other professionals.
Each year, our compassionate teams provide high-quality care for 860,000+ pets and their families. BluePearl clinicians also participate in clinical studies to discover new treatments and procedures that improve pet health. As part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, BluePearl is committed to its purpose: A Better World For Pets® because pets make a better world for us. Learn more at https://bluepearlvet.com/.
About Banfield Pet Hospital®
Banfield Pet Hospital was founded in Portland, Ore. in 1955 and today is the largest general veterinary practice in the United States with more than 1,000 hospitals in 42 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. More than 3,600 Banfield veterinarians are committed to providing high-quality veterinary care to over three million pets annually. As part of the Mars, Inc. family of brands, Banfield is committed to its purpose: A Better World For Pets® because pets make a better world for us. Press seeking additional information are invited to call the Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.
