Thanks to all of your support, we reached our goal of collecting $10,000 to support Animal SOS, a non-profit animal sanctuary in Sri Lanka where over 1600 dogs have found a safe haven where they receive a name, lifesaving veterinary care, rehabilitation and get to roam free. As promised, the Cocoa Foundation matched all donations and sent a check of for $20,000, all of which will go towards helping the beautiful dogs of Sri Lanka!

In January, we had the opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Sri Lanka, a small island off the south coast of India, known for its breathtaking landscape, great surf, and the most welcoming humans you’ll ever meet. With a population of 20 million people, about the size of West Virginia, Sri Lanka is also home to 3 million stray dogs, most of whom are diseased and malnourished.

We had the opportunity during our visit to lend a helping hand at Animal SOS. Managing this amount of animals is a big job, as many need medical care and have special needs. Meals for this many dogs alone is hundreds of dollars a day. Animal SOS receives no government funding and rely solely on donations and volunteers to keep their mission going.

In the few weeks we were able to help, we saw first hand how much time and effort goes into this sanctuary by the volunteers. Many of the dogs in their care are disabled and require extra attention. One of the highlights of our experience with Animal SOS was their weekly hydro therapy, where they take all of the disabled and paraplegic dogs to the beach for assisted swimming and beach time.

About Animal SOS Sri Lanka:

Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a UK registered charity, was founded on the vision of Kim Cooling, who after witnessing the appalling plight of animals in Sri Lanka, particularly the strays, decided to take action to help them.After many years of self-funded rescue work which seemed like a drop in the ocean, Kim decided to form the charity Animal SOS Sri Lanka in 2007. After raising funds to purchase a plot of land and a small animal clinic in Midigama, Ahangama in the south of Sri Lanka, the charity became operational in Sri Lanka in 2009 with a few dogs and helpers.

There around 3 million street animals in Sri Lanka, many of whom suffer immensely through malnutrition, disease and horrific injuries. With a distinct lack of safe havens and veterinary care available to strays, our work and facilities are a lifeline to many otherwise doomed animals.With a determined and dedicated group of friends and animal lovers all sharing the vision and aims of the charity, our vital mission has grown and continues to this day helping street animals in dire need.

Learn more here.

About the Cocoa Foundation:

The Cocoa Foundation strives to eliminate barriers to putting at risk shelter dogs in good homes through grants and highlighting local charities, while supporting the people who donate their efforts to taking care of shelter dogs around the world.

Learn more here.