We’re over the moon!

Animals Asia is ‘over the moon’ with the outpouring of love and support from across the world for our campaign to end bear bile farming in Vietnam!

2022 is one of the most important years in Animals Asia’s history. We are so close to ending bear bile farming in Vietnam, but before we can go and rescue the last bears on bile farms, we need to build them a sanctuary, a place they can finally call home.

It’s a huge mission. But we’re not alone. Hundreds of ordinary people across the world have asked, “how can I help?” and are using their unique gifts, skills and interests to raise funds and awareness in the most creative of ways!

So, who are these people, and what are they actually doing… and more importantly, how can YOU make history for moon bears, and get involved in the fun!

Climbing Mountains for Moon Bears - Scott Powrie, Hong Kong

Scott Powrie is an ordinary guy from the USA who has done an extraordinary thing… all for his love of moon bears!

Scott and his friend Joe have just climbed Gasherbrum I and II, the 11th and 13th highest mountains in the world respectively, to raise $16,000 for Animals Asia’s campaign to end bear bile farming in Vietnam. 

Scott said, “I’ve supported Animals Asia for over 10 years, and have witnessed first-hand the powerful and incredible work Jill and her team are doing to make real change in this world by protecting animals from exploitation, violence, and harm.”

He continued, “But, why would I attempt two of the world’s tallest peaks right now? The urgency. It’s the difference between these bears being saved or remaining in painful captivity.”

You can support Scott in his epic mission via his Fundraising Page, or if you’d like to undertake your own action-packed adventure, contact us today! 

A Birthday to Remember - Rose Johns, Australia 

In Australia, Rose Johns was heading towards a ‘big birthday’ (though she won’t tell us which one - it has to be 21, surely, Rose!) and decided that, instead of presents, she would ask her family and friends to donate via the Australian JustGiving page to Animals Asia.

Rose told us, “I am passionate about animal welfare, so when I heard about bear bile farming I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping end the cruel trade.”

“I joined Animals Asia as Head of Philanthropy in Australia, but as most people who care about animals, always felt I could do more.”

If you’re in Australia you can either organise your very own fundraiser or contact us to talk about your ideas today!

An Incredible Team Effort - Animals Asia’s Roma Group, Italy

Our incredible support group in Rome is only made up of six people, but they’ve shown how a small group can achieve big things! 

Since 2009 this amazing group of people has raised much-needed funds and an incredible amount of awareness for Animals Asia and the issue of bear bile farming. 

As Steph Rivetti told us, “We do a lot of fundraising for our birthdays where we ask for donations instead of presents, and run raffles, picnics, bbq’s, cultural walks, theatre shows, dinners, and stalls. We love raising funds for Animals Asia’s campaign to end bear bile farming, and we have a lot of fun doing it!”

The tenacious team has also spoken about Animals Asia on Italian TV, and also uses Facebook and Instagram’s fundraising tools to raise funds and awareness. As we speak, they’re currently in discussions about putting on a music event, we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!

All funds the Rome Group raises in 2022 will go towards our Reach for the Moon campaign, which will fund the building of our new sanctuary in Bach Ma, Vietnam. 

Support the Rome Group or set up your own fundraiser, or contact us for ideas and support with running your own campaign!

Fundraising in Fancy Dress - Donna Mackenzie, Scotland

For Donna Mackenzie, hills are not something she considers her “natural territory”, and she’s certainly never considered climbing one before now. But in true Animals Asia supporter spirit, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and do something that will “shock people into donating to help the bears!” 

With her friends Silke Dallmann, Coordinator for Scotland’s Animals Asia Support Group, in a bear costume and Maren Dallmann, Animals Asia’s Supporter Care & Community Fundraising Executive in a dog costume, Donna will will climb Conic Hill in the beautiful Loch Lomond National Park, Scotland, wearing a full elephant costume!

Donna told us, “I have now reached my fundraising target though I still want to go higher, hopefully I’ll feel the same while climbing Conic Hill!  As we’ve now broken ground on our new sanctuary, it’s vital to keep the momentum going and get it  completed as soon as possible to end the Vietnam bear bile trade forever.”

Support the intrepid trio’s epic climb, or if they’ve inspired you to step out of your comfort zone, why not set up your own fundraiser!

Racing to Rescue - Hannah Martin, England

Content Creator at Animals Asia, Hannah Martin, wanted to combine her love for open water swimming and encouraging others to get active and raising money for our new sanctuary. So she set up Race to Rescue, a physical challenge where people sign up to run, walk, swim or cycle a selected amount within four weeks. 

“People love a challenge”, Hannah explained, “so setting goals for activities you either already do, or starting a new one seemed like a great way to raise money for the bears.”

Hannah suggested that people donate any amount they liked or could afford to sign up to the challenge, then they select their goal from the challenge list… and off they go! 

Join the Race to Rescue challenge, or why not challenge your friends and family to get active for the bears! 

A global movement of passionate supporters

Stories such as these go to show how individuals coming together really can change the world. Even by raising a small amount through doing something you love or already do, contributes hugely to our overall goal of building a new sanctuary in Bach Ma.

A few weeks ago Animals Asia broke ground on our new sanctuary, something that years ago would have seemed like a far-off dream. And we only got to this incredible point with your support. And with the continued support of our wonderful supporters putting kindness in action, we will end bear bile farming in Vietnam forever. 

Go, Team Moon Bear!

Yes! I want to fundraise for Animals Asia!

Great! Please head over to this page if you’re in the UK or Europe, here if you’re in Australia, this page if you’re in Hong Kong, or here if you’re in the USA.

If you’re not in any of these areas you can still help. Contact our friendly team and let’s talk about your ideas today!

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