EF22 Charity: The Painted Dog Conservation
Eurofurence proudly presents our charity for 2016: The Painted Dog Conservation. Fighting to save the last of an endangered species, it is not only a worthy charity, but also one that desperately needs all the help we can give it.
You may already know the African wild dog, also known as the painted dog (Lycaon pictus). These beautiful hunting dogs (which are actually not dogs at all, but a completely different species) have splotched fur patterns and big round ears. What most people do not know is that the painted dog is sadly also one of the most endangered species of Africa, with fewer dogs left on the whole continent than there are furries at Anthrocon!
Sadly, myths and misunderstandings have given them a bad reputation, causing them to be persecuted by humans. Many more are killed on the road, get caught in snares set by poachers to get bushmeat, or catch diseases from domestic dogs. Their numbers have dwindled from 500.000 to less than 7000 over the past century.
The Painted Dog Conservation is devoted to the protection of the wild dogs and is active in Zimbabwe, where the local population of dogs is one of the last strongholds of the species. Their conservation methods help both the dogs and the local human population in a lasting way, making the future outlook of the species brighter.
Though the Painted Dog Conservation's work is very successful, there are sadly still many setbacks. As recent as last November, elephant poachers have put cyanide in the wildlife's drinking water, killing an entire pack of 9 dogs and their 11 pups. The painted dog needs our help now more than ever!
How you can help
As in past years, we are seeking donations of artwork and other unique items to be used in raising money for charity through our Lottery Booth, Charity Auction and an expanded Charity display in the Art Show with items for silent bidding. If you wish to make a donation, then please click the following link to pre-register your donation!
Google Docs - EF22 Charity Submissions / Donations
However, even if you have not pre-registered your donation, we will still happily accept extra donations during the convention (see the con book for details).
You can also consider donating a percentage of your Art Show sales to charity (see more information during the online art submission process).
There will be various events, activities and other opportunities to donate money during the convention to support our charity. Like last year, we will host a special charity art auction where you have the chance to bid on unique items donated by attendees (all sales go 100% to charity). And like the previous years we will have a lottery booth in the lobby. There will also be fursuiters collecting with our official sticker. And other little fund-raising happenings will pop up here and there when you least expect it.
In addition, representatives of the Painted Dog Conservation will be available for you at a booth in the lobby, where you can ask questions, buy items, and learn more about the dogs or maybe become a 'Friend of the Painted Dog'. And finally, by popular demand we have decided to repeat the charity concert! Look at the schedule to find out when it is. Tickets for it can be bought at the lottery booth.
If you have any questions, please direct them to the members of our charity team.