BSI supports Saipan Cares for Animals

Saipan Cares for Animals, one of the island’s major volunteer groups partnering with the Saipan Mayor’s Office in animal welfare, received animal food and care supplies donated by Best Sunshine International, Ltd. employees from an in-house drive initiated by the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility team led by BSI CSR director Rita Chong.

“The goal of the in-house drive is to get BSI employees to support Saipan Cares for Animals in helping the animals in the shelter by donating pet food, and treats, as well as supplies such as leashes, food and water bowls. CSR initiated the in-house drive after receiving requests from Mr. Bruce Loprete, BSI VP for Surveillance, asking us to see how we can help the animals at the shelter. CSR project coordinators Kent Kalen and John Brel conducted an assessment of the facility and it was decided that it will be a worthwhile cause,” said Chong.

“The company in-house drive is being handled by CSR project coordinator Anthony Yoshikawa.  He and his team have put together fliers that are posted at BSI’s administrative offices at the Bank of Guam Building and the staff lounge at the casino,” she added.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said, “I’d like to thank Best Sunshine for their generous contribution to help our animals at the shelter, and also for what they did to provide shelter from the rain for the dogs in the kennels. We really appreciate all the community service that the Best Sunshine CSR team is doing for the people of Saipan, especially the beautification.”

Vice president for Saipan Cares for Animals Elizabeth Pliscou, commented, “We are really thankful for the donation made by Best Sunshine, of canned food, treats and all the supplies for the animals. Thank you especially for restoring and installing the tarp on the roof of the dog kennels. It really helps with draining all he rain water and I think the design of it was very smart.”

After the in-house drive, BSI’s CSR team will be working on a public outreach campaign to raise awareness and inform the public about the plight of the animals at the shelter, hopefully to get public support. They will be conducting a food and supply drive in the community.

CSR has been doing some repairs of the kennels at the animal shelter located at Lower Base to help keep the animals safe and dry, after the shelter sustained damage from Typhoon Soudelor. There are more activities planned to assist the Mayor’s Office with the upkeep and maintenance of the shelter.