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Pet Rescue Group Provides Freedom Rides For Animals In Need

Kathy and Gary Turnipseed have a lot of heart and passion for the work they're doing. They are two-thirds of the staff at Ruff Transport—an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization that helps bridge the gap for animals needing a ride to rescue facilities, and either foster or forever homes. They call these transports Freedom Rides and recently, the pair joined WYSO's Jerry Kenney in the WYSO studios to talk about the work they’re doing. You'll also hear about a show drive taking place and learn how you can help.

Press release from Ruff Transport (WYSO is not responsible for this content):

Ruff Transport Launches Shoe Collection Drive to Raise Money for Saving Animal Lives Through Rescue Transports

Ruff Transport's shoe collection fund raiser directly benefits at risk animals in "high kill" shelters by raising operational funds to transport them to "no kill" shelters and foster homes, while also generating capital (shoes) to provide resources for micro-enterprises in developing countries through the national fund raiser funds2orgs.com
 
Shoe donations will also support micro-enterprises in developing nations and reduce what goes into landfills.

Ruff Transport (rufftransport.org) is conducting a shoe collection drive on 15 Mar 2016 through 1 May 2016 to raise funds for much needed rescue transports for homeless animals in shelters or otherwise abandoned. This drive will earn funds based on the number of pairs collected as Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated goods. Those dollars will benefit Ruff Transport’s mission to save lives. Anyone can help by donating gently worn used or new shoes at these collection points: Docton Animal Clinic, 10 Kinsey Rd, Xenia, OH; also in Xenia – the Xenia Senior Center, 130 East Church St; Xenia YMCA, 135 East Church St; and Xenia Shoe and Leather Repair, 21 East Main St; Stoney Creek Roasters, 85 North Main St, Cedarville, OH; Spring Shearing, 241 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs, OH; Pretty Pooch Boutique, 90 South Main St, Waynesville, OH; and Pet Supplies Plus, 3320 Pentagon Blvd, Beavercreek, OH. Additionally, Ruff Transport will host a major collection event on 24 April 2016 at Pet Supplies Plus in Beavercreek, with several raffle prizes with raffle tickets distributed in exchange for shoe donations that day. They welcome and invite support via a remote broadcasting site to help them highlight this great mission and community support program.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Donna Ruff, Founder of Ruff Transport. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like donate to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It’s a win-win for everyone," added Donna.

By donating shoes to Ruff Transport, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a positive difference in people’s and rescued animal’s lives.

Local organizations interested in learning more about conducting a shoe drive of their own can visit Funds2orgs.com.

Contact: Donna Ruff

Ruff Transport

Phone: 937-321-9418
Email: rescue@rufftransport.org

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.