BISSELL Puts Out Call for Pet-Loving Pinners to Help Raise $50,000 for Shelter Pets

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BISSELL Homecare Inc., a longstanding advocate for pets and adoption, announces the launch of an online fundraising campaign to support homeless dogs and cats across America. The campaign, Pinning for Pets, kicks off  during a month known for giving thanks and invites Americans to create virtual pinboards to help the BISSELL Pet Foundation™ raise $50,000 for shelter animals in need.

"As longtime advocates for pet adoption, we know animal shelters and rescue groups play a vital role in creating a second chance for homeless pets, and they often have extremely limited resources to provide the necessary care needed until these pets are adopted. By simply creating a Pinning for Pets board, everyone has the opportunity to support shelters and better the welfare of homeless animals," said Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation and director of corporate affairs for BISSELL. "However, the goal of this program is not just to raise funds – it's also to raise awareness about the vast number of adoptable pets living in shelters across the country. Ultimately, we want to see more homeless pets welcomed into their forever homes, but we believe they deserve a comfortable place until that home finds them."

Between Nov. 5 and Nov. 30, Pinterest users can contribute to the BISSELL Pet Foundation fundraising drive by creating a virtual pinboard that shows their support for homeless pets. For every Pinning for Pets board created on Pinterest and submitted via BISSELL's Facebook page, the company will donate to the BISSELL Pet Foundation who in turn, will donate $10 to the Petfinder Foundation, up to its $50,000 goal. Grants to the Petfinder Foundation will be used in a program called Rescue U to rehabilitate animal shelters around the U.S. and provide resources that improve the lives of pets lacking permanent homes.

For every new BISSELL pet product purchased and activated online at www.bissell.com/savepets, BISSELL will donate $1, $5 or $10 to the BISSELL Pet Foundation (dependent on purchase price). Additionally, pet product purchases on www.bissell.com through the end of the year will net between $2 and $20 (double its standard donation) for the BISSELL Pet Foundation to help homeless pets.

Pinning for Pets participants will be entered into weekly prize drawings for a chance to win various pet clean-up products, as well as a $250 donation to their local Petfinder.com shelter. Visit www.pinningforpets.com for more details or to take part in the campaign.

BISSELL has supported the pet community in past years through contributions to more than 100 U.S. pet charities totaling more than $250,000 annually and is now proud to continue this support through donations to the BISSELL Pet Foundation. The company is committed to providing pet owners with effective, easy-to-use pet clean-up products, including pet hair vacuums, deep cleaning machines, sprays and formulas. For information on the complete line of BISSELL pet products, cleaning tips and more, visit the online Pet Lovers Community at www.bissell.com/pets. Information about the BISSELL Pet Foundation is available at www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

*The Pinning for Pets program is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Pinterest.

About the BISSELL Pet Foundation
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters, and to support organizations dedicated to the humane care and treatment of animals through pet adoption, spay neuter programs, micro-chipping and foster care. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, the BISSELL Pet Foundation is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. With support from BISSELL Homecare, Inc., a 136-year-old Grand Rapids-based floor care appliance brand in its fourth generation of family leadership, the Foundation aims to be a key leader in advocating for lost, abused, neglected and abandoned pets.

SOURCE BISSELL Homecare, Inc.