Press Release – VANCOUVER, Wash. — Oct. 26, 2016 — Banfield Pet Hospital® today announced the launch of a newly formed associate (employee) relief fund—The Banfield Better Together Fund. The Banfield Better Together Fund is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, created to provide financial support to current and future Banfield associates in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
The fund was established for associates, by associates in response to feedback requesting ways to help colleagues in the event of a disaster. The fund is governed by a Board of Directors and an independent Grant Selection Committee comprised completely of Banfield associates who volunteer their time to represent the other 16,000 associates of Banfield Pet Hospital. The Banfield Better Together Fund is part of Banfield’s larger Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, aligning with efforts dedicated to the “Wellness of Our People and Our Profession.” The fund was originally seeded by Banfield Pet Hospital and has already given financial grants to seven associates impacted by recent flooding in Baton Rouge, La. as well as an associate who recently lost her home in a fire.
“At Banfield, we believe it is our responsibility to help our associates when they need it the most,” said Vincent Bradley, President and CEO of Banfield Pet Hospital. “With more than 16,000 associates working at more than 950 hospitals in 42 states and Puerto Rico, it is inevitable our team will be impacted by emergency situations. I am proud we have already provided support to the associates impacted by flooding in Baton Rouge, and am glad we can give some peace of mind to those impacted in future disasters.”
Qualifying Banfield associates impacted by federal- or state-declared disasters (including fire, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorism) can fill out an application for a tax-free financial grant ranging between $500 and $3,000 on average. The Banfield Better Together Fund helps provide essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, clothing and other basic necessities not otherwise covered by insurance.
While it was established to facilitate associates helping other associates in need, anyone can donate to the fund by visiting Banfield.com/BetterTogetherFund.
About Banfield Pet Hospital®
Founded in Portland, Ore. in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today it has more than 950 hospitals in neighborhoods across the United States and Puerto Rico. More than 3,200 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital provides preventive care for millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans®.
