LONDONDERRY, NH – There’s nothing quite like hearing firsthand the roar of a lion, the trumpet of an elephant, or even the humble squawk of a penguin. That’s why Stonyfield, a leading organic yogurt maker, is today launching its #FutureLeaders campaign to raise funds to help kids from the Boys & Girls Club of America visit their local zoos and aquariums. As part of the campaign, Stonyfield will match every donation made, up to $125,000, with the goal of raising $250,000 to give approximately 5,000 kids the chance to experience an up close and personal look at the animal kingdom. Additionally, all visits will feature inspiring curriculum focusing on climate change. Fundraising is currently open and will continue through November 6, 2017.
“Stonyfield has been committed to protecting the environment since the very first day we started 34 years ago, and today our mission of a healthy planet continues to be one of our guiding stars,” says Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield Co-Founder. “We want to foster that same care and respect for the planet in the next generation, and one of the best ways to do that is to give kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity the chance to see these majestic animals for themselves, up close and personal.”
“It was also extremely important to us to bring consumers directly into this mission, right along with us” continues Hirshberg. “Any company can write a check, but we really want to raise the awareness and create an opportunity for everyone to participate in making a difference in kids’ lives and the future of our planet.”
“Many of our kids haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit a zoo or aquarium,” says Chad Royal-Pascoe, National Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Resource Development, Boys and Girls Club of America. “Experiences like this are critical to broadening their perspective on the world, and gives kids the chance to learn and see for themselves. We are grateful to Stonyfield and all of those who donate to help make these trips a reality for our kids.”
The Indiegogo campaign is just the latest milestone in Stonyfield’s support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction® program, which fosters conservation efforts for 10 endangered species. As a proud supporter of AZA SAFE, Stonyfield will not only be contributing funds to fieldwork but will also aim to encourage kids and their families to see animals and conservation projects first hand at zoos, aquariums, and on the ground where the research is happening. All participating venues in the #FutureLeaders campaign are accredited by AZA.
Additionally, Stonyfield is providing families the chance to see these endangered species in their natural habitat with its South African Safari sweepstakes. International airfare, luxury lodging, two private safaris and a visit to an African Penguin colony for a family of four are all included in the grand prize, worth approximately $40,000. Consumers can visit http://www.stonyfield.com/azasafe/africasweeps to enter, now through December 31, 2017.
About Stonyfield
As a leading organic yogurt maker, Stonyfield takes care with everything it puts into its yogurts and everything it keeps out. By saying no to toxic persistent pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics and GMOs, Stonyfield has been saying yes to delicious, healthy food for more than 30 years. With their direct milk supply program, Stonyfield helps to grow the number of organic dairy farms in New England – and through their support of the Wolfe’s Neck Dairy Farmer training program, Stonyfield works to train the next generation of organic farmers.