NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Multiple social media sponsors have joined together to organize a new fundraiser meant to support one of New York City’s cutest staples: bodega cats.
“With the advent of these different Instagram accounts, they’ve become really solidified and more cherished than I think they’ve ever been before,” Dan Rimada of Bodega Cats of New York said. “They’re part of our culture, and I think it’s up to the community to provide the best care we can.”
Put together by NYC-based Instagram accounts @bodegacatsofnewyork, @bodegacatsofinstagram, @shopcatsshow, and @bodegacatspirits, the fundraiser aims to raise money for the city’s “four-legged managers” while also creating a healthcare resource for the community.
“If you don’t know one, you’ve at least had an experience with a bodega cat,” Rimada said. “And chances are if you weren’t paying attention, you were within a few feet of a bodega cat when you were at the bodega getting your neighborhood staples”
With 1.7 million followers between the four accounts, organizers hope they can reach their goal of $30,000 by the time the fundraiser ends on June 30. According to Rimada, finding power in his platform helped make the call to action possible.
“Up until recently I didn’t realize that I had a platform, I had no idea that my platform was influential,” he said. “This whole thing started because I wanted to feature photos of my local bodega cats in Fort Greene.”
Donations support vaccinations, emergency care, checkups and spay/neuter procedures for bodega cats in need, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to five city nonprofits that perform these services: Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, Catstoria Rescue, Hardhat Cats, Sassee Cats and Bronx Community Cats.
For more information, including to donate, visit the fundraising page.