Nick Maxwell's Goal for 2010:

Help WSPA end the cruelty of Bear Baiting

March 2010

Collingwood Captain Nick Maxwell has announced a goal of a different kind this season. The AFL star is helping animal welfare charity the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to raise $500,000 to help end the cruelty of bear baiting in Pakistan.

At www.bricksforbears.org.au individuals and organisations can contribute to the rescue and care of bears by purchasing virtual bricks to help build a new sanctuary.

Nick Maxwell is calling on animal lovers and AFL fans throughout Australia to help him reach the goal of $500,000 - to help build a safe and happy future for these bears.

Nick says: 'Bear baiting isn't sport. It's animal cruelty. Until recently I knew nothing about it, but now I want to do everything I can to help WSPA stop it. If animal protection is important to you, go to www.bricksforbears.org.au and buy your brick today.'

Key Facts

Bear baiting is the world's most savage blood sport.
It is illegal in Pakistan.
During an event, a bear is tied to a post in the centre of a stadium. Its claws have been blunted and its teeth removed. Dogs are set upon it. When it looks like the 'fight' will be fatal, the dogs are removed. But the bear will be made to do this again - up to seven times in one day.
WSPA has been working to bring an end to bear baiting in Pakistan since 2001. So far we have rescued over 40 bears and helped to stop 80% of planned events.
There are 70 bears still being made to fight in Pakistan. WSPA cannot rescue any more bears until there is a safe place for them to go to - a new sanctuary where they can enjoy the care and security they deserve.
WSPA has high standards for the amount of space each bear needs. As a result, our current sanctuary is full.
At www.bricksforbears.org.au individuals and organisations can contribute to a new sanctuary and the care of the rescued bears - by purchasing virtual bricks online.
One brick costs $10 but there are options to buy multiple bricks and for organisations to purchase a plaque.
Everyone who makes a donation will be able to customise their brick with an image and a message. They will also be able to search for their brick - and bricks donated by others - on the virtual sanctuary wall.
The website will document the progress of the virtual sanctuary towards the $500,000 goal. It will also provide information and updates from WSPA about its work in Pakistan.

Supporting quotes

Jan Schmidt-Burbach, WSPA's Wildlife Veterinary Programmes Manager
'The physical and mental trauma these bears have endured means they will never be able to experience life in the wild. We need to provide them with the space, care, treatment and nourishment that they will need for the rest of their lives.'

Nick Maxwell, Collingwood Captain:
'I play football because I want to. These bears are not so lucky. Help me to end the cruelty of bear baiting.'

Nick Maxwell, Collingwood Captain:
'We need to raise $500,000 to help rescue these bears. Go to www.bricksforbears.org.au today. Each brick costs just $10. Together we can reach that goal - brick by brick.'

Downloads

Images


Nick Maxwell, Collingwood FC Captain download	Nick Maxwell - Collingwood FC Captain download

Bear Baiting Event in Pakistan download	Bear Baiting Event in Pakistan download

A rescued male Asiatic Black Bear at WSPA'S Kund Park Sanctuary download	A rescued male Asiatic Black Bear at WSPA'S Kund Park Sanctuary download