Not a one-off campaign, but ongoing support: tens of thousands of donations for shelter dogs and cats

In 2025, the cooperation between SPAR Hungary and the National Animal Protection Foundation continued, enabling customers across the country to support dogs and cats living in animal shelters. Over the course of the year, a total of 210 collection campaigns were organised in SPAR and INTERSPAR stores, benefiting civil organisations involved in animal rescue.

Last year, several dozen animal welfare NGOs participated regularly in the programme. The collections were coordinated by the National Animal Protection Foundation, through which various shelters and animal welfare associations were given the opportunity, month after month, to meet customers in person. The volume of donations collected over the year clearly demonstrates the tangible results of the initiative. Customers donated 23,221 kilograms of dry dog food, 16,319 cans of dog food and 1,200 dog salamis. For cats, 5,820 kilograms of dry food, as well as 33,286 cans and pouches of wet food were collected. These donations provide essential support for the day-to-day operation of shelters, where care costs continue to rise year on year.

“The success of the cooperation between the National Animal Protection Service Foundation and SPAR is the result of a system built up over many years, based on continuous communication and close collaboration with civil organisations. While we are aware that fewer people are able to donate larger amounts, it is important for SPAR that the participating animal welfare organisations can rely on us and on the support of our customers month after month. We are grateful to everyone who contributes to this extremely important work, whether by donating a pack of food or by volunteering their time” said Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary.

The number of participating organisations continues to grow year by year, while the frequency of collections depends on the availability of volunteers. Personal presence not only facilitates donations but also allows customers to learn more about the work of each organisation and meet their volunteers.

Another key objective of the initiative is targeted giving: donations are always tailored to the current needs of the specific organisation, whether food, cleaning supplies or equipment. Based on experience from recent years, this flexible, cooperation-based system has become increasingly effective.

The programme will continue in 2026. Information on ongoing and upcoming donation drives, including locations and dates, is available on SPAR’s dedicated online platform: https://www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/mancsabajban

The National Animal Protection Foundation continues to welcome applications from animal welfare organisations and encourages animal-loving customers to visit the organisations at collection points and even donate a few hours of their time, thereby supporting their dedicated work.