In a heartwarming collaboration that combines the love for pets with support for vulnerable youth, premium pet food brand Nulo has joined forces with the national nonprofit organization Friends of the Children. This partnership, aptly named "Paws-For-A-Cause," is set to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their beloved pets in the Pacific Northwest region.  

The Paws-For-A-Cause Initiative

From February 15 to March 31, 2025, Nulo is running a special campaign that allows pet owners to contribute to a noble cause simply by purchasing their favorite Nulo products. For every Nulo product bought at participating pet retail stores in Oregon and Washington, the company will donate 10% of the sales to support youth and their pets in the Friends of the Children network13.  

This initiative is not just about feeding pets; it's about nurturing the bond between children and their animal companions while providing essential support to those who need it most.  

About Friends of the Children

Founded in 1993, Friends of the Children is a remarkable organization that has touched the lives of over 16,000 children and family members across 42 locations nationwide. Their unique approach involves pairing children facing significant challenges with paid, professional mentors—called Friends—who commit to supporting each child for 12+ years, no matter what14.  

Many of the youth in the Friends of the Children program rely on their pets for emotional support and companionship. This collaboration ensures that both the children and their furry friends receive the love and care they need1.  

The Power of Pet Companionship

For children facing life's greatest obstacles, the unconditional love and support of a pet can be transformative. Nulo's founder and CEO, Michael Landa, emphasizes this point: "Our pets play such a key part in our mental health and overall support system. When a child is at risk, the love and companionship of a pet can make all the difference"13.  

By supporting this initiative, pet owners are not only providing high-quality nutrition for their own animals but also helping to strengthen the bond between at-risk youth and their loyal companions.  

How Nulo is Making a Difference

Nulo's approach to charitable giving through this campaign is both innovative and impactful. Instead of making a lump sum donation, the company is allocating the total program donation through individual gift certificates. These certificates will be given to children in the Friends of the Children program who have pets3.  

Redeemable at participating retailers for Nulo products and essential pet accessories, these certificates ensure that the children and their pets receive exactly what they need. This method not only provides tangible support but also creates a meaningful experience for the children as they shop for their pets with their Friends (mentors)35.  

Celebrity Support: Simone Biles

Adding star power to this worthy cause is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, a longtime advocate for children and Nulo ambassador. Biles expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "I know firsthand the impact that unconditional love and support can have on a child's life. For so many of the incredible kids involved with Friends of the Children, pets are a dependable source of comfort and companionship"13.  

Her involvement helps to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting both children in need and the pets that provide them with unwavering companionship.  

The Impact of Your Purchase

By choosing Nulo products during this campaign period, pet owners are making a direct impact on the lives of children and their pets. Terri Sorensen, National CEO of Friends of the Children, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: "Thanks to Nulo's generous commitment, every pet food purchase becomes an opportunity to uplift a child and their pet"13.  

This initiative aligns perfectly with Nulo's mission to "Fuel Incredible" – whether that be in athletes, children, or pets. It's a testament to the company's commitment to not only providing premium nutrition for pets but also supporting the communities in which they operate.  

How to Participate

Participating in this initiative is simple. If you're a Sam's Cats and Dog customer, you can make a difference by purchasing any Nulo product between February 15 and March 31, 2025.   

Even if you're not in the Pacific Northwest, you can still support the cause by spreading awareness about this initiative and the important work done by Friends of the Children.  

The Bigger Picture

This partnership between Nulo and Friends of the Children highlights the interconnectedness of animal welfare and child welfare. It recognizes that for many children facing adversity, pets are more than just animals – they are family members, confidants, and sources of unconditional love and support.  

By supporting the health and well-being of these pets, we're indirectly supporting the emotional and mental health of the children who care for them. This holistic approach to welfare is what makes the Paws-For-A-Cause initiative so impactful.  

   

Citations:

  1. https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18972-nulo-simone-biles-collaborate-on-friends-of-the-children-charity-initiative
  2. https://friendsofchildreninc.org/about-us/
  3. https://www.petage.com/friends-of-the-children-partners-with-nulo-to-support-youth-care-for-their-pets/
  4. https://friendsofthechildren.org/how-it-works/power-of-one
  5. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/pet-food-news/news/15737475/nulo-friends-of-the-children-launch-pawsforacause-initiative
  6. https://friendsofchildreninc.org
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/company/friendsnational