Community Volunteerism and Promotion

The fund become a role model for others in our fundraising and education efforts, as we involve our local university students in all of our campaigns and events. We work closely with the director of the Student-Volunteer Center at East Carolina University , and students have volunteered on a regular basis each year since our formation. In addition, we provide annual internships and service-learning projects for Communication students. Public relations students are able to generate press releases and PR for the organization; broadcasting students work with radio and television advertisements for upcoming events; journalism students work through our relationship with local newspapers; etc. We have recently started offering positions for ECU’s federal work-study program for students interested in expanding their resume and working full-time with the organization.

Community Impact

Marley Fund aids other nonprofits and independent rescuers from all over the north and southeastern regions of the country, but we have been specifically helpful in our local community.  We accept positives from shelters, other nonprofits, veterinarians and concerned citizens on a regular basis.  In addition, we have campaigned throughout our state to increase awareness of FeLV and FIV and promote education and management of the diseases.

Our featured article in Cat Fancy brought attention to our mission to thousands across the country.  Since this time, we have become leaders to others throughout the northeastern and southeastern regions of the U.S. These groups rely on us to house their infected animals; making euthanasia not their only option.  Most animals infected with the virus are only carriers and are asymptomatic; this means that they are not clinically diagnosed with the disease.  The virus can lay dormant for many years, making our safe haven a vital part of the adoption world.  We are honored to assist all nonprofits by educating them about these retroviruses, so that they too can learn the need for testing prior to bringing animals in their shelters, as well as supporting their animals in our safe haven, if and when they get an asymptomatic positive. Marley Fund has helped several groups, which did not test before, learn of the need for testing. We believe that our efforts are truly making a difference in the adoption world and for new pet owners across our region.