SEATTLE — Greater Good Charities announced Feb. 9 it has raised more than $186,000 in donations from pet advocates around the United States during its 6^th annual Shelter Bowl, held in conjunction with ”the big game.”

In addition to private cash donations, Nestlé Purina PetCare matched donations to contribute $50,000 worth of pet food to the cause, bringing the total Shelter Bowl impact to more than 3.7 million meals provided to shelter pets affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pet food is typically the largest expense of any animal shelter, and the coronavirus pandemic has only created more economic hardships,” said Liz Baker, chief executive officer for Greater Good Charities. “This year’s Shelter Bowl donation will go to those shelters hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic to help free up cash resources that in return can be used for services like veterinary care.”

Greater Good will distribute the pet food donations through its Rescue Bank charitable pet food program.

The national nonprofit has partnered with Purina on the Shelter Bowl for the last six years. To date, the philanthropy has provided more than 13.7 million meals to shelter dogs and cats in need.

“Supporting shelter pets and the organizations who lovingly care for them while they await adoption is part of our DNA,” said Cat Small, pet welfare program lead at Purina. “We are humbled by the generosity of fellow pet lovers who joined us in supporting this amazing fundraising event and thankful to Greater Good Charities for their continued work to support the shelter community.”

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