“Nākotnes Atbalsta fonds” (Future Supporting Fund) is starting cooperation with the largest Latvian animal shelter, Ulubele, which has been taking care of animal protection and welfare for more than 15 years.
In recent years, “Nākotnes Atbalsta fonds” (formerly “Rietumu Bank’s Charity Fund”) has been increasingly involved in measures aimed at protecting the environment and building a positive human relationship with the environment, supporting the achievement of public benefit goals. In previous years, the Fund, together with the Latvian Ornithological Society, has implemented several projects with the aim of preserving the population of rare birds – black storks.
Continuing the work in this direction, in 2021, the maintenance and repair of animal aviaries, acquisition of medicines, as well as the costs of veterinary services will be provided at the Ulubele shelter with the support of the Fund.
"We are glad from the bottom of our hearts that we are able to save, cure and return to a happy life those animals that have come into the care of Ulubele, who are mostly the victims of human indifference, irresponsibility or cruelty. We are even happier when we succeed in finding new homes and loving families for the rescued animals. Notably, a record number of animals got their home during the Covid pandemic year. We thoroughly evaluate each adoption as we are responsible for the well-being of our residents. However, this year has shown that people more than ever appreciate the positive aura that a pet brings to the family and the house, becoming a full member of the family. Certainly, it is not possible to continue such work without like-minded people who provide support and help – it is invaluable!” says Ilze Dzhonsone, head of the animal shelter “Ulubele”.
Whereas, Inga Shina, Chairperson of the Board of “Nākotnes Atbalsta fonds”, emphasizes: “Caring for the environment, including animals that are endangered or even unable to survive without human intervention, is a vital activity for the benefit of our society as a whole. We have familiarised ourselves with the work of the Ulubele shelter and see that there are really caring and non-indifferent people working there who take care of the animals in difficulty with all their heart and help them to find new homes. I hope that our support will help to achieve these noble goals and expand the work of the shelter.”
The Ulubele animal shelter was founded in 2005, having united like-minded people who care about the fate of animals. At present, the shelter takes care of about 500 inhabitants every day – dogs, cats and other animals – rabbits, chinchillas, goats, rams and rats.
The principle of Ulubele since its very foundation has been “no kill”, which means that every inhabitant is given the opportunity to stay there for as long as it takes to get a new home. Euthanasia should only be allowed in exceptional cases when the animal is incurably ill and to ease its suffering.
The operation of Ulubele as a “no kill” shelter is mostly ensured through donations from legal and natural persons, as well as cooperation with non-governmental organisations. The shelter regularly participates in national and local programmes and legislative initiatives related to animal protection and welfare, while 10 000 volunteers of the shelter are actively involved in its daily work and various public activities, promoting the adoption of shelter animals, the volunteer movement and the empathic treatment of animals in difficulty.
“Nākotnes Atbalsta fonds” (formerly “Rietumu Bank’s Charity Fund”) was established in 2007 with the aim of promoting philanthropy and patronage in Latvia by supporting socially responsible action and the achievement of public benefit goals. The Fund has supported several hundred projects in areas such as health care, including paediatric medicine, assistance to the most vulnerable social groups, culture, education, expanding healthy and active leisure opportunities, etc.
On 27 February, for the tenth time, the winners of the prestigious competition “Kilogram of Culture”, which is annually held with the support of Rietumu Bank’s charity fund – Nakotnes Atbalsta fonds, will be awarded.