The holiday season should be about more than getting everything on your wish list. It’s the perfect time to give back to the community and those in need. We spoke with Ola about the annual Santa Food Drive, a heartwarming initiative born from a simple desire to channel the community’s kindness into tangible support for the city’s stray dogs in need. What began as a small rescue effort among friends has blossomed into a crucial campaign, providing tons of food, warm shelters, and vital supplies to overcrowded and underfunded sanctuaries.
Read on to learn about the inspiring shelters they support, the profound impact of every donation and how you can help spread comfort and joy to hundreds of dogs in need this season.
Tell us about yourself, your annual Santa Food drive and how it started.
First, I am very thankful to jingkids for giving me this opportunity to introduce our Christmas animal charity.
My name is Ola, and over the years, partnering with two like-minded friends Polly and Mariana, we’ve cared for countless animals together as “Layers of Love” and met so many kind people who offered help in all kinds of ways.
As our rescue circle expanded, we sought to create more opportunities for others to join in. That’s how the annual Santa Food Drive began. Thanks to generous donations at Christmas and even on Valentine’s Day, we’ve been able to buy wooden houses, heaters, mattresses and several tons of food for local shelters. There are so many shelters out there – overcrowded, underfunded and often forgotten. Every bit of support truly makes a difference.
Is there a particular dog’s story or a shelter’s situation that personally inspired you to help?
Every day, every shelter struggles with the same challenge of how to feed all its permanent residents. We know that there is a way to help, to take action.
Which shelters is the money going toward helping?
I’m honored to introduce four shelters that will benefit this Christmas. Zhong Xiaosong’s shelter cares for over 340 dogs, including many that are old, sick or disabled. Miss Weili’s shelter houses nearly 500 animals, including dogs, ducks, cats, goats and chickens. Rose Garden has faced multiple relocations, carries huge debts and cares for 270 animals. Finally, Miss Fang’s shelter in Langfang continuously rescues dogs from meat trucks.
Where did all these dogs come from?
Honestly, it might be easier to say where they didn’t come from! The hardest part is that most of these dogs are incredibly friendly and loving toward people. They would make amazing pets despite some of their difficult pasts. Adopt, don’t shop!
What’s the fundraising goal, and how did you come up with this amount?
This year, we’re aiming to raise RMB 30,000, which will provide 3 tons of nutritious dog food directly from the factory. But if anyone feels inspired to donate any other food, old bedding, toys or other pet supplies, they’re more than welcome to join us by scanning the code to enter our group. Any help will be very appreciated.
What’s the plan to ensure transparency on how every donation is collected and distributed?
For the past three years, we’ve maintained a dedicated group where I provide daily updates on every transaction during our Christmas charity events, including purchase receipts, delivery details and other information to ensure full transparency.
Now, please tell us the steps on how we can help these pups in need.
Join our group or scan the code on the poster to share the festive spirit with those who need us the most.
Images: Ola
