Operation Kindness – North Texas’ original and largest no-kill animal shelter – has created the Companies Who Care program to allow North Texas’ businesses a way to get out of the office to interact with adorable, adoptable animals to raise funds and awareness of the shelter, while also enhancing employee health and productivity.
“North Texans have always been known for their generosity, and for this, we are forever grateful to be a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” says Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness. “In the past year, we have had more than 28 companies step out of their office to volunteer at our campus. The support of corporate sponsors allowed us to save more than 4,500 lives in 2015, and we are aiming to help many more in 2016.”
Employees are eager to interact with animals because of the many proven benefits that help boost productivity and morale in the workplace, including:
- The lowering of blood pressure, serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels by exposure to animals
- Increased production of neurochemicals in the brain associated with relaxation and bonding, which also improve immune system functioning
- Increased dopamine and endorphins associated with happiness, with decreased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol following a 30-minute interaction with a dog, provides stress-relieving benefits that allow employees to become more relaxed and in turn return to work more productive.
As a part of the corporate giving program, companies can arrange for a Work Paws Playdate to have Operation Kindness bring socialized puppies, dogs and sometimes kittens to any local workplace. This unique program treats humans to a “Cuteness Break,” featuring playtime with adoptable pets and “fur therapy” of dog kisses and cat purrs – ensuring employees will return to work rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of their day. Playdates are limited and arranged with a sponsorship fee on a first come, first serve basis.
Companies are also encouraged to participate in Kindness, Inc – a unique team-building program designed to encourage teamwork, philanthropy and career development by bringing the office together for a full day of team exercises and interactions with cute animals. Hosted by Steve A. Klein, CEO of Professional Development Center, employees participate in corporate training featuring three different workshops that focus on understanding communication styles, increasing teamwork and improving intentional communication. Kindness, Inc. is designed for groups of 10 – 20 employees. Each participant is provided lunch, a team t-shirt and certificate of participation for $250 per employee.
Operation Kindness is unlike other nonprofits and does not receive funding from the government, instead relying solely on funds from donations and corporate sponsorships to care for homeless animals. Since 1976, Operation Kindness has saved over 85,000 dogs and cats. Each life saved by Operation Kindness costs an average of $398 to provide comprehensive care before adoption; in some cases, the costs are higher for animals that have been injured and require lifesaving surgeries. In 2015, Operation Kindness was able to save the lives and find forever homes for 4,519 animals. The on-site medical hospital provided care to over 5,000 animals and performed 5,163 surgeries; 13,169 exams; 1,587 spays and 1,541 neuters; provided more than $83,000 worth of medicine; and served 328,000 meals. To help Operation Kindness save more lives in 2016, employees can join together to raise funds needed to provide lifesaving medical services by creating a Companies Who Care fundraising campaign with TXT-2-Give by texting “give” to 972-441-7708.
Companies across the metroplex are welcome to learn more about how they can become involved in Operation Kindness’ Companies Who Care program by visiting www.OperationKindness.org.