The PetSmart Associate Assistance Foundation (PAAF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in 2011 to provide financial assistance to associates and their families suffering emergency hardships. When events such as natural disasters and sudden and severe personal crisis occur – we can help associates caught in the middle. Any PetSmart associate across the nation and in Canada and Puerto Rico are eligible to apply. The foundation is funded by donations from PetSmart and our associates to help one another in their time of need. Contributions can be made as a one-time donation or as an ongoing payroll deduction.

Our annual fundraiser, Be the Difference, will be held this year starting in October. The success of our event depends on contributions from businesses who generously donate various items to be put in our silent auction and raffle. Not only does your item benefit our program, but your business as well. This is a fantastic product placement and advertisement opportunity for promoting your business.

The Be the Difference raffle and silent auction is held at our home office in Phoenix and provides over 1,200 corporate associates the ability to purchase raffle tickets to win donated items or place silent auction bids. The money from the raffle tickets and the silent auction will go directly into the foundation. Should you make a donation for the raffle or silent auction, your business will be recognized on raffle and auction displays at the event. In addition to this, your business will be thanked on our company-wide intranet, which is available to 53,000 associates nationwide.

We are seeking donations of gift cards, or physical items, for our upcoming raffle. In the past we have received donations of restaurant gift cards, tickets to sporting or cultural events, even large-screen televisions! Any donation made would be recognized as a donation from your company. The foundation’s ability to continue to operate is due in large part to the generous support of individual donors and businesses who believe in our mission. With your help, we can continue to turn hardship into hope.