We can reveal that we are one of three recipients of a generous donation from stand-up comedian Ricky Gervais.
The donation was made out of the profits of Platinum Ticket sales for Gervais’ UK tour dates of his stand-up show ‘Supernature.’ The sales raised raised profits of £427,243.42, which Gervais split evenly and donated to three worldwide animal charities including International Animal Rescue (IAR.) Each charity received a donation of £142,414.47.
Ricky Gervais said: “It is such a privilege to be able to help animals in need, simply by doing a job that I already love.”
In response, Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, said: “We’re bowled over by Ricky’s incredibly generous donation to International Animal Rescue. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with this money which will enable us to make a difference to countless animals’ lives. It’s been tough lately raising funds for our projects - but Ricky’s support will give a massive boost to our work rescuing suffering animals from cruelty and neglect and giving them a second chance at a ‘happy ever after life.’ Thank you Ricky, we’re so very grateful!”
Our current areas of activity are in Indonesia, Armenia and Costa Rica. The team in Indonesia runs a rehabilitation centre for orangutans and carries out community outreach projects to help remote rural villages develop sustainable ways of living and protecting the rainforest. In Armenia we are working to end the practice of keeping caged bears as tourist attractions and providing rescued bears with sanctuary and lifelong care. Our work in Costa Rica primarily involves rescuing and treating animals electrocuted on uninsulated power lines. The majority of these animals are baby howler monkeys orphaned when their mothers are killed. And in India we continue to provide lifelong treatment and care for rescued dancing bears.
“There’s no let-up in the number of suffering animals around the world,” Knight concludes, “and we will use Ricky’s donation to transform the lives of as many of them as we can and give them the kindness and care that Ricky himself advocates.”