Meet Lauren Greenwood, Chuffed.org's Community Leader based in Austin. Lauren's passion for animal welfare led her to found askMrFrisky.com. Read more to learn how Lauren's passion for the protection of domestic animals fuelled her to develop skills in event management and crowdfunding...
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career (or life) so far.
I have volunteered for and supported animal shelters across the country for over two decades. I love animals - I have an assortment of animals including pets, fosters, ferals, and wildlife. To connect people to shelters, shelters to each other, rescue groups, and their communities, I founded askMrFrisky.com - named after our first rescue cat!
Why did you decide to become a Chuffed.org community leader?
I became involved with Chuffed when looking at ways to raise funds for AskMrFrisky.com so the organisation can provide even more support to shelters and the people owned by shelter pets worldwide.
How did your crowdfunding journey begin?
Word of mouth and lots of Google searches - I was looking for a way of funding that was community based. I strongly believe in a culture that teaches families, friends, and children that a caring community is important - and collecting small donations from around the globe is a way for people to come together to do something that improves local communities. Crowdfunding works for me because I am looking to make small improvements worldwide with a network of shelters.
What social cause are passionate about and why?
The welfare of animals shelters, shelter animals, shelter staff and volunteers, fosterers and adopters. These dedicated people are a wonderful community to be part of - and together make a huge difference to each other's lives.
What relevant fundraising or other experience do you have that you can share with participants in the workshop?
I have done fundraising at a grassroots level for AskMrFrisky.com, and have planned and hosted annual fundraisers and other events for the shelters for which I volunteered. I also have learnt to network within the global community while developing the shelter directory.
What social cause project or campaign on Chuffed will the funds raised through the workshop support?
Funds raised will support the varied needs of AskMrFrisky - veterinary care, shelter repair and general supplies. We are also looking to hire a new staff member part time so we can hasten the development of the worldwide directory of shelters. I am currently working on a book to self publish for which the funds will help sustain the funding!
Interested in starting your own crowdfunding campaign?
Click here.