SAN DIEGO — Cross Border Xpress is celebrating its “Love For Paws” fundraiser surpassing its $15,000 goal.
CBX chose We Saved A Puppy Animal Rescue, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization, because of the inspiration they exude, including helping the pets of some CBX employees.
More than $16,000 raised will go towards the medical needs of stray animals, an amount the nonprofit says is out of reach for many Americans and nearly impossible in Mexico. That's the medical expenses.
“First of all, we're going to be doing a lot of free veterinary care,” said Brian Bovenzi, founder and CEO of We Saved A Puppy.
From January to February, CBX passengers donated $16,866 to fundraisers for the furry four-legged animals they pass.
The Love For Paws campaign is one of several CBX philanthropic campaigns the nonprofit organization has hosted for many years.
“So with this donation we will be able to perform 100 spay/neuter surgeries,” Bovenzi said.
“We Saved A Puppy” began when Bovenzi was living in Tijuana. After a motorcycle accident left him unable to walk for three years, Bovenzi wanted to help animals living on the streets.
“It's so bad over there. There are literally millions of stray and abandoned animals south of the border,” Bovenzi said.
We Saved A Puppy rescues animals in San Diego, but primarily in Tijuana. This nonprofit organization pays for all the animals' medical needs, cares for them, and puts them up for adoption.
“Like this little kid who was hit with a blunt object and had his lower jaw chipped. He was definitely an inspiration to the organization and we were able to save his life, take care of him and find him a beautiful home.” said Bovenzi.
Jorge Goytortua, CEO of Cross Border Xpress, said: “We see feet crossing the CBX every day here, so why not do something for these little animals that get thrown away?”
Employees chose We Saved A Puppy to sponsor the Love For Paws campaign, Goitortua said. Goitortua said this is because the nonprofit's bilateral support aligns with CBX's mission.
“This company was born and nurtured by innovation and cooperation between our countries, and is firmly committed to supporting our communities,” Goitortua said.
That support is starting to come back.
“Even in that case, we were able to save people's animals and essentially their lives, because today people treat animals like their own children,” Bovenzi said.
Bovenzi said he plans to open a veterinary clinic in Tijuana this month or in April. The license has been obtained.
CBX said it plans to raise more than $300,000 this year through various campaigns.
Click here to donate to We Saved A Puppy and learn more about We Saved A Puppy. If you would like to foster or adopt an animal, please call 1-877-787-7728.
