EDMONTON, ALBERTA and AUBURN, KY. — Champion Petfoods, a North American pet food producer headquartered in Canada, has donated more than 3.7 million ORIJEN and ACANA pet meals to animal welfare organizations in 2021 to support dogs and cats in need.

The pet food manufacturer partnered with more than 40 local animal welfare organizations near its production kitchens in Acheson, Alberta and Auburn. Champion also made monetary donations to two shelters: the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) in Alberta, and the Logan County Humane Society (LCHS) in Kentucky.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have a locally-founded company in our community that gives back to animals in need as generously as Champion Petfoods does," said Liza Sunley, chief executive officer of EHS. "Thanks to the supportive donations from Champion, we've been able to feed many homeless animals in the Edmonton area high-quality, nutritious meals so they can thrive while they await adoption, including both cats and dogs in the care of our shelter and those in the care of other animal welfare organizations we work with closely."

Aside from local donations, Champion established a three-year partnership with Best Friends Animal Society earlier this year, which provides support to more than 3,300 animal welfare partners, shelters and community members. Through this partnership, the brand launched its ACANA Rescue Care for Adopted Dogs formula, which is specifically formulated to help rescue dogs transition to their forever homes.

"At Champion Petfoods, we're committed to supporting pets in need," said Jess Eide, chief people officer at Champion. "The people working and volunteering at these animal welfare and animal rescue organizations are passionate about providing needed care and nutrition, and we're grateful for the impact they make. Our work with them enables us to make progress toward realizing our purpose which is to Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime. We look forward to continuing our long support of rescue pets and organizations in 2022."

Following recent inclement weather and tornadoes in the South and Midwest United States, Champion Petfoods also donated $25,000 to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. Additionally, the organization contacted local animal shelters to offer pet food donations as needed.

"As members of the community, we're heartbroken to see the aftermath of the tornadoes in Kentucky and want to help with the recovery and rebuilding process," Eide said. "We're thankful our local employees are safe, and we've heard countless stories about them helping with cleanup efforts and lending a hand to those in need, demonstrating a commitment to our values beyond the workplace. We hope these efforts help the community during this difficult time."

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