CHENNAI: The Blue Cross of India (BCI), the oldest animal welfare organisation in Chennai, is looking for funds to carry on its work. With 1,500 animals in the Guindy facility alone and heavy losses suffered during natural calamities over the last two years, the organisation is now looking for corporates who can support it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“We had two natural disasters in a row – the floods of 2015 and cyclone Vardah in 2016. Apart from the animals that we took in, we suffered a major blow from Vardah,” said Chinny Krishna, co-founder, BCI.
“We had just finished laying the underground sewage, drainage and water lines in our facility and also put in new electricity cables but when full-grown trees were uprooted during the cyclone, they pulled everything out of the ground,” he said, adding that they had to also replace the new cat shed and puppy shelter as both were destroyed.
“The kitchen had also to be rebuilt completely, so we had a lot of additional expenses,” he said.
“We desperately need money to continue our work,” said Krishna, adding that individual donations were also welcome. “Our wish list includes donations of rice and soy nuggets or toor dhal, cement, steel, paint and other building material. A road needs to be laid, for which large heavy-duty paver blocks are required.”
Some individuals have already come forward to support. “A well-wisher just sent us 25kg each of rice and toor dal and 6kg of soy nuggets. We hope more people will come forward,” said Krishna.
People who wish to help can contact sathya@bluecrossofindia.org.