Paws Rescue Qatar, the volunteer-based animal welfare and not-for-profit organisation in operation to help the homeless and abandoned animals of Qatar, is extremely proud to be the receiver of the Qatar British Business Forum’s (QBBF) ‘Work in the Community’ Award. They were one of six organisations shortlisted, with many more applications received.
The awards ceremony, now in its third year, was held at the W Hotel on 23 November before an audience of valued guests, dignitaries and VIPs, including HRH Princess Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and HE Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways. The event was convened under the authority of His Excellency the British Ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Ajay Sharma.
The ‘Work in the Community’ Award recognises the invaluable work done by a business or organisation in Qatar to help the community. It is the first time it has been awarded to an animal-related not-for-profit organisation, and is a huge testament to the increasing awareness and importance of animal welfare in Qatar, although there is still a long way to go.
Emily Blenkinsop, Paws Rescue Qatar Co-founder, commented: “This award means the world to us. Not only is it recognition of all the hard work by a very small team of dedicated volunteers, but it is also recognition of the huge issues faced by animals in this country that need to be addressed. Our hope is that we can use this Award as a platform to reach those in power who can help solve some of these welfare issues.”
Alison Caldwell, Paws Rescue Qatar Co-founder, added: “We are incredibly grateful to have won this award. We are the first animal not-for-profit within QBBF and now winning the Work in the Community award will (hopefully) put the plight of volunteer-based animal welfare groups at the forefront of people’s minds here in Qatar.”
“This award will also go a long way towards providing us the platform to continue to do what needs to be done to help the community and animals here in Qatar. We are always looking for partners to support us on this journey, such as building new kennel blocks in our retreat, and we hope this accolade will help to raise our profile, so we can start to reach these partners,” she added.
QBBF organises these annual awards to recognise business excellence and those members of the Qatari community who have made outstanding contributions in the British community. QBBF started the awards in order to help promote business opportunities in Qatar and to strengthen commercial ties between the two nations.
Founded in 2014, Paws Rescue Qatar is a not-for-profit animal shelter dedicated to providing a safe haven for homeless and rescued animals in Doha until they can be placed in responsible, loving homes. Any funds raised go towards food and supplies for the animals, veterinary bills, and upkeep of their animal retreat. They also run a pet boarding service, profits from which go straight towards the retreat and animal care.