The global health crisis is at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now. In particular, the connection between animal and human health. But one non-profit has been focusing on the linkage between species for over six years, and today its work seems more important than ever.
Veterinarians International, a non-profit founded in 2014 by Dr. Scarlett Magda, is on a mission to enhance the well-being of both animals and their communities on a global scale.
Based out of New York, with a heart in the Hamptons, the network of veterinarians and animal welfare specialists cares for both wild and domestic creatures across the world. They are currently on the ground in Chile, Guatemala, Liberia, Sri Lanka, and Kenya as they provide education and veterinary aid to specialists who care for domestic animals, rescued chimpanzees, baby elephants, and other livestock.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the link between human and animal health wasn’t as much of a concern. However, in light of the current plight of the world there seems to be a lens on the way humans interact with the animal kingdom at large.
“The human animal bond is an integral component to our well-being. I am pleased to incorporate behavior modification into Veterinarians International’s programs. We are not only preventing and eliminating disease in both animals and people, but enhancing welfare for all,” said Veterinarians International founder and president Dr. Scarlett Magda.
After being forced to cancel its annual, in-person summer gala, an event that raises the majority of funds needed to carry out year-round programs, VI decided to hold its first digital event in the form of a walk-a-thon. The inaugural Healthy Steps For Healthy Pets invited supporters, and their four legged companions, to step it up virtually all around the world as they raised funds and awareness for the organization.
The month-long campaign began on September 3 and concluded with a half mile walk, from their respective locations, on October 3, where participants donned a special event day sticker, t-shirt, and even a bandana for their pets. It not only encouraged a healthy bond between humans and their companions, but it created a new community of support. Through social media, VI was able to engage an audience from Austin, Texas to Alberta, Canada and numerous locations across the globe.
“Our healthy steps for healthy pets walk-a-thon was a success in that we were able to gather support from animal lovers all over the world,” Dr. Magda said.
Meanwhile, a small group gathered at The Baker House 1650 in East Hampton for a socially distant gathering where guests walked to the beach before enjoying a brief ceremony and light bites. Top winners were awarded a photo shoot with famed photographer Steven Klein, a two-night stay at The Baker House, and a virtual cooking class with Chef David Burke.
In total, the event, both virtual and in-person, raised $49,500. Unfortunately, despite the inventiveness and quick ability to adapt to the change in times, it was short of the annual $250,000 goal.
“Given that it was our first virtual event, we did not succeed in meeting our goal of $250,000 to support our programs,” Dr. Magda explained. “We have wild animals, including baby elephants and leopards, caught in snares or injured from gunshots that need immediate attention. Support will go towards providing immediate care for these innocent beings while working with governments and communities to mitigate human wildlife conflict.”
With hopes to raise continued awareness, and support, in December Veterinarians International will launch a new series of video chats that aims to bridge the gap between its audience and leading experts around the world. Actress Christine Evangelista, a VI Ambassador known for her roles in E!’s “The Arrangement” and AMC’s “Fear The Walking Dead,” will lead the discussions. Each video will be between five and 15 minutes long. Experts will share stories and insights with the public on the topics of wildlife or veterinary care. The talks will be available to watch via social media channels and the organizations website and plan to continue weekly for the foreseeable future.
“These video chats are a chance for us to connect with the public on a more intimate level,” Dr. Magda said. The social media based talks are a chance for VI to give back to the community by providing free, fun, and educational information. “We’re thrilled to launch our video series with our ambassador Christine Evangelista. She has been a longtime supporter of VI. Her heartfelt dedication to our cause will breathe fresh, new energy into these stories that we hope will resonate with our audience.”
Learn more about Veterinarians International by visiting www.vetsinternational.org or follow on social media @VetsInternational.
@NikkiOnTheDaily