In the spirit of promoting animal welfare, “Safe Haven” is a unique charity Carnival that has been making waves since its inception. We sat down with the founders to get an exclusive insight into our inspiring initiative.

Q: Tell us about the mission of “Safe Haven.”

Our primary mission is to promote animal welfare.
The carnival is just one phase of our broader project that aims to make a significant impact. “Embark” plays a crucial role by promoting dog adoption. We also focus on raising awareness about veterinary research.

Q: What inspired the idea for this charity carnival, and how many years has it been running?

The “Safe Haven” project began in 2021 with a focus on feeding stray dogs. The “Safe Haven” carnival is a relatively new addition under our community service avenue. It all started with a creative brainstorming session that led to the concept of a dog show and a carnival dedicated to the enjoyment of dogs.

Q: Could you share some highlights and activities for this year’s “Safe Haven” carnival?

Highlights include “Embark” hosting an adoption stall.
We have designed a beautiful “Safe Haven” t-shirt, available for pre-order.
Exciting activities such as a water area, ball zone, photobooth , and paw print stall await our visitors.
There’s also an ongoing social media challenge to engage our community.

Q: How can attendees and volunteers get involved and support the event?

Purchase the “Safe Haven” t-shirt to support our cause.
Rotaract members can assist during the event.
General attendees can make direct monetary donations on the day of the event. The event welcomes sponsorships that align with corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Q: Are there any special guests or experts scheduled to attend the carnival?

We hope to see Otara from “Embark” at the event, where they will host an adoption stall.
Representatives from the popular YouTube channel “Pet Talk” will also be in attendance.

Q: What safety measures are in place for dogs and visitors?

Dog owners are responsible for their dogs’ safety and behavior.
A first aid team will be on standby.
The carnival will include a dog clinic to address any health concerns.

Q: Can you provide information on ticket pricing and packages for attendees?

The entrance fee per person is Rs 500.
Attendees bringing dogs will be charged Rs 250 per dog.
Families can enjoy a discount, with each family member’s ticket priced at Rs 250.

Q: What are the rules for bringing dogs to the carnival, and will pet care services be available on-site?

For attendees bringing dogs, pre-registration is essential, and vaccination cards need to be presented.
Pre-registered attendees can upload their dog’s vaccination card in the provided Google form.

Q: What long-term impact do you hope to achieve through “Safe Haven,” and how can people continue to support our cause afterward?

We aim to encourage people to donate to the Veterinary Research Institute Peradeniya, the only institute in Sri Lanka actively researching cures for various animal illnesses.
The event strives to promote adoption over purchasing pets.
We hope people will volunteer at “Embark’s” adoption day programs.
Establishing long-term partnerships with local organizations is also part of our long-term vision.

“Safe Haven” is not just a carnival but a heartfelt endeavor to make a lasting impact on animal welfare. By supporting our mission, we can all contribute to a world where animals are treated with love, care, and respect.

Penned By:

Rtr. Dasuni Perera

Editorial Committee Member 23.24