ODEL bags international award for animal welfare

ODEL has been acknowledged for “Outstanding Contribution by a Corporation” to the welfare of community animals through its Embark initiative, at the Animals Asia Welfare Awards 2011.

These awards, also known as “The Andrews” in memory of Andrew, the first bear to arrive at the Animals Asia Rescue Centre in Chengdu, China, in October 2000, recognise the passionate efforts of organisations and individuals committed to the welfare of animals. Andrew died of cancer at the Rescue Centre and the awards are dedicated to him and many other bears rescued by the organisation in subsequent years.

A total of nine awards were presented in Chengdu at the “Asia for Animals Conference 2011” to individuals and organisations nominated by delegates who attended the conference.

ODEL was the only corporate entity recognised at the event. The conference was held under the theme “Out of the Box – bringing animal cruelty to an end.”

Presenting the award, Animals Asia commended ODEL for successfully persuading people to reduce cruelty to animals and focus on animal welfare through the Embark Corporate Responsibility initiative.

A statement by the organisation said “Project Embark has been a good partner and supporter to key Sri Lankan animal welfare NGOs and with its high profile, backed by the respected ODEL name, has raised awareness about animal welfare issues in Sri Lanka, especially in the media.”

“It is a great honour for Embark to be recognised at an international forum which acknowledges passionate contributions of individuals and organisations committed to the welfare of animals,” said Ashani Unamboowe, Head of Business Operations of Embark.

“More importantly, this accolade acknowledges Embark’s success in generating interest at local and even at international level in improving the plight of community animals.”

Other winners at the awards included Zhang Dan and Programme Natural Code, Yang Hengbao – Nanjing Public Security Bureau, Henry and Kitty Wong, Soyeon Park of CARE (Co-existence of Animal Rights on Earth), Zang Lu – Secretary-General of Civil Society Development in Hainan/Counsellor of Chinese Bread Museum and Chief – Corporate Social Responsibility of Asian Power, Hardi Baktiantoro – Founder and Director of COP (Centre for Orangutan Protection), Cat Welfare Society (Singapore) and Sathya Radhakrishnan – Blue Cross of India.

Founded by Jill Robinson in 1998, the Animals Asia Foundation is devoted to the welfare of wild and urban animals in Asia and also contributes towards the conservation of endangered species. Animals Asia is registered charity with headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Australia, China, Germany, Italy, the UK and USA, as well as Moon Bear Rescue Centres in China and Vietnam.

Launched in March 2007 by ODEL founder and CEO Otara Gunewardene, Embark employs a range of multifaceted interactive community projects to support puppy re-homing, caring for injured strays, public awareness programmes and sterilization clinics.

As a clothing and accessories brand, Embark also leverages the latest fashion trends to generate interest in and raise funds for the cause of community animals.

The brand has launched several innovative campaigns such as “Adopt a Street Pooch,” “Pashionable People” and “Saving the Injured.”

In 2010 alone Embark sterilised and vaccinated 2314 stray dogs, provided vaccines for another 913, rescued 155 injured animals off the streets, and found homes for 92.

The cumulative number of dogs sterilised and vaccinated by Embark to date stands at 4,443, the number of dogs vaccinated at 1,787 and number of re-homed strays at 288.