As Unleash Pet Photography’s brand vision is to support Local Nonprofit Animal Organizations through different fundraising initiatives, I wanted to find a way to help support the small animal rescues. So I decided to attempt a fundraising photographic art book project.

The Guinea Pigs in Bows and Bandanas fundraising project was an initiative created by Unleash Pet Photography to help raise needed funds for Guinea Pig Rescue Ottawa.

The idea was to try and schedule as many guinea pig photo sessions as I could over the course of the year and then publish a beautiful hard cover coffee table art book. However, as I did not generate enough sessions to fill a book I had to find a different way to fundraise so the Photo Contest was born.

The Photo Contest was simple. For the month of November, anybody could vote for their favourite Guinea Pig by placing a vote which cost $1. Our Top 3 Guinea Pigs with the most votes won a prize and all the funds raised went to GPRO.

Our Grand Prize Winner ended up being Snow, who is a permanent resident at the Rescue because he is a special needs GP. 🤗

Because of Snow, the Rescue created a medical fund named “The Snow Medical Fund” in his honour. Since then they have been using this fund to also pay for the vet bills and medication of their sick Guinea Pigs at GPRO . They get a lot of surrenders with health issues that need so much medical attention before being adopted out.

Our second and third place winners were Nemo and Matilda, both were rescues and are now living their best lives in their forever homes, thanks to GPRO. 🎉

In total Unleash helped raise $667 through the Guinea Pigs in Bows and Bandanas fundraising initiative.🎉

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that participated.

Unleash Pet Photography has also created posters from the top 3 images which can now be purchased to further help support Local Nonprofit Animal Organizations.

You can see all of the available posters in the store by clicking here.

ABOUT THE CHARITY

GPRO Guinea Pig Rescue Ottawa (GPRO) has been saving the lives of guinea pigs since 2019.

WHY DO GUINEA PIGS NEED RESCUING?

Well to put it quite simply there are many animal welfare issues that arise when it comes to poor breeding practices, uneducated pet stores, animal cruelty and many more heartbreaking issues. These animal welfare issues are a result of misinformation and lack of education. We decided that it was time to take action and help educate our community about guinea pigs’ needs, and how rewarding it can be to have these little guys as companions.

WHY HELP?

We don’t get many monetary donations and are out of pocket at the moment. The “Guinea Pigs in Bows & Bandanas” Project will benefit Guinea Pig Rescue Ottawa to help cover the costs of veterinary bills, animal supplies, food, housing and so much more.

🙏🏻 SPECIAL BIG THANK YOU 🙏🏻

This project was also made possible because of the following kindhearted women who donated bows and bandanas from their local businesses.

Please go check out their amazing Etsy Shops!❤️

Bandanas Were Provided By Kanine Kerchiefs

Instagram: @kanine_kerchiefs_dlp
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/kaninekerchiefs/

Bows Were Provided By Apple Blossoms Canada

Instagram: @appleblossomsca
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/appleblossomsca/