Page 31 - HOTdog Magazine 1-2.2018

Better With Pets • Event
“It was truly moving to
hear from the finalists and
learn more about their in-
spiring programmes and how
they have managed to cre-
ate such a positive impact in
their communities,” said Ber-
nard Meunier, CEO of Nestle
Purina PetCare EMENA. “Our
society often talks about the
emotional, as well as the
physical, effects of ageing.
Loneliness is one of the key
issues that many are facing,
with the most vulnerable sen-
iors being hard to reach as Purina BetterwithPets Forum 2018 Judging Panel and Bernard Meunier Company News
they rarely leave their home
and socialise. The OOPOEH • Antonella Broglia - anchor and people
Foundation has helped many of TV programme Para todos • Prevent obesity for both
elderly citizens improve their La 2 about social entrepre- pets and people
quality of life. Most impor- neurs, and Ashoka Espana
tantly, we congratulate them Ambassador, Spain Connecting together
on their efforts to date and People of all ages are expe-
their prize-winning presenta- • Mary Sharrock - External riencing a sense of isolation
tion, which captured the es- Relations Director, Nestle Pu- and disconnection, be it from
sence of their initiative, as rina PetCare EMENA the increasing complexity of
well as their commitment to modern life and technology,
their communities and pets. • Professor Dr Marie-Jose or because ageing and mi-
We will continue to work with Enders-Slegers - President nority populations are being
them as they invest the prize IAHAIO (International Asso- overlooked, which can leave
money to fast track their ini- ciation of Human Animal In- them feeling lonely and cut
tiative.” teraction Organisations) off from society. We are look-
ing for initiatives that span
The Purina BetterwithPets • Professor Jeff French - communities and ages, and
Forum was not only to award Professor of Social Marketing, that celebrate the power of
the winner of the Purina Bet- Brighton University Business the pet-human bond for bet-
terwithPets Prize, but also School, UK ter emotional well-being,
bring together social inno- to help foster and cultivate
vators, entrepreneurs and BETTERWITHPETS PRIZE: empathy and emotional self-
stakeholders from across CATEGORIES care. Potential entries could:
Europe to learn more about
social innovation, to network Applicants whose work fo- • Help to overcome societal
and participate in workshops. cuses on any of the catego- disconnection and isolation
The participants exchanged ries below were invited to ap- • Seek to provide interven-
ideas, shared their exper- ply. tions for emotional well-being
tise, talked about their chal-
lenges and created valuable Healthier together Enjoying spaces together
connections to start work- The demands of a modern, Increasing urbanisation and
ing together. “We wanted to more sedentary life means more regulations have led to
create a network of powerful that people either have less fewer pet-friendly open spac-
connections to make change time or are less likely to be es and greater restrictions in
happen, together. We believe physically active with their places where pet owners can
that this forum will become a pets. We are looking for take their pets. We are look-
catalyst for change, enabling community-focused initia- ing for initiatives that enable
richer lives for pets, the peo- tives and innovations that en- both people and pets to enjoy
ple who love them and our able people and their pets to and share the same spaces,
communities,” said Bernard live active and healthy lives as well as demonstrate a so-
Meunier. together. Potential entries cial and/or economic benefit
could: (e.g. pets in workplaces), and
BETTERWITHPETS FORUM: enhanced pet-friendly areas
PRIZE PANEL MEMBERS • Facilitate a healthier and in urban and rural spaces. Po-
fitter lifestyle for both pets tential entries could include:

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