Crazy John’s crazy about helping animals in need

 

Crazy John's comes to the the Home's aid

The Lost Dogs' Home recently received a call from Crazy John’s National Customer Service Manager, Andrew Strachan, asking how he could help the Home. He was responding to a letter we sent asking for assistance towards our dogs and cats in need. Not only is he now making a monthly personal donation to the Home, but he is rallying Crazy John’s staff across Melbourne to support the Home’s work. Andrew is a passionate animal lover and is going beyond the call of duty to ensure his colleagues understand the plight of the thousands of abandoned and stray animals that arrive at the Home every year.

Through Crazy John’s, Andrew aims to raise $60,000 for The Lost Dogs' Home. Fifty percent will come from in-house raffles and fundraising and the remainder will come from the proceeds of a gala event planned for November.

“For the raffle, I started with the donation of an iPhone from a vendor. With the money raised from the raffle of that phone I’ve purchased other items to raffle off.”

The reaction from Crazy John’s staff has been encouraging with $4,000 raised already. In addition, the raffle has created a buzz in stores with staff bringing in photos of their own pets. As it turns out, Crazy John’s is filled with animal lovers!

“Crazy John’s staff are passionate people and tend to be community minded. Our CEO Brendan Fleiter has nurtured this passion and balances business practices with the need to do good in the world around us.”

The gala event planned by Andrew will feature a line-up of well known comedians and vocal artists.

“My goal is not to put on yet another stuffy fundraiser with boring speeches from the Mayor of Nowhere, but provide a night of naughty cocktails, lots of giggles and to take away the guilt of their decadence, the punters will be gently reminded that they’ve just saved hundreds of defensive animal lives”.

As with many dedicated supporters of the Home, Andrew has a history of giving his time and cash to help animals in need.

“Whenever I’ve been able to, I’ve either sponsored or volunteered my time to help with shelters and animal hospitals. As it’s been three years since I’ve held a hose and brush to clean out a kennel, I thought it was time to get more involved. I am time poor these days so generating donations and raising funds seemed an easier option, and one that would have a greater impact.”

The late John Ilhan of Crazy John’s was also an inspiration to many staff at Crazy John’s, including Andrew. Andrew hopes to carry on his legacy of giving at Crazy John’s.

It is very heartwarming to know that there are people like Andrew and his colleagues in our community who deeply care about the welfare of abandoned and stray animals. These stories inspire staff to continue the fight to give unwanted and unowned animals a better deal.