SPCA and Hello Kitty join hands to raise awareness of animal welfare

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (SPCA) has partnered with Hello Kitty, a beloved character under Sanrio Hong Kong, to raise awareness of animal welfare. 

The year-long campaign also aims to celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary and the inauguration of a brand-new SPCA centre in Tsing Yi.

Under the theme “Hello Kitty! Hello SPCA!”, the iconic Hello Kitty will take on the role of an SPCA ambassador to bring together different generations of Hongkongers and introduce different facets of animal welfare affecting the society. 

Together with her friends, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochacco from the Puppy Alliance, the cast of Sanrio characters will participate in the campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and pave ways forward in reaching a more sustainable and harmonious pet-inclusive community for all.

The collaboration will kick off with the launch of a series of limited-edition "Hello Kitty! Hello SPCA!" merchandise at the highly anticipated pet show “Premium Pet Supplies Expo 2024", set to take place on 10 May 2024 until 12 May 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Apart from taking photos with decorations featuring Hello Kitty in her new SPCA ambassador uniform, visitors will have the first opportunity to explore and shop for exclusive pieces at the SPCA booth, including pet supplies and human accessories, featuring Hello Kitty and her SPCA friends.

As part of the campaign, Hello Kitty will also be welcoming visitors at the new SPCA Jockey Club Centennial Centre from 20 May, a date rich in symbolism and phonetically reminiscent of "I love you" in Chinese. 

Visitors can join Hello Kitty in supporting the cause of animal welfare by purchasing a special limited-edition commemorative badge that symbolises their unwavering love for animals, raising funds for animals in need.

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During the period, in addition to exploring the facilities and services available through the beloved character and a fun quest, visitors and fans of Hello Kitty are encouraged to take photos at Hello Kitty-themed photo spots to capture memorable moments to share on social media.

Furthermore, a more expansive limited-edition "Hello Kitty! Hello SPCA!" collection will be exclusively available at the SPCA Tsing Yi Centre for the first month, before being available at all SPCA centres and online shop. 

Throughout the year, Hello Kitty will champion animal welfare with the SPCA through various activities and channels, along with more educational and fundraising activities later this year. 

The SPCA is the longest-standing animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong and has been actively engaging different sectors for over a century to define and enforce measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals, according to Louisa Ho, deputy executive director of the SPCA (HK).

"All these efforts are aimed at creating a better future for animals in the city. As we enter the new millennium, we are thrilled to welcome Hello Kitty, a cultural icon also with a rich heritage and a passion for the future, to join us in exploring and reframing the relevance of animal welfare in our current society," Ho added.

"Hello Kitty is loved by people of all ages so we are blessed to have this opportunity to broaden our messages to a wider audience. We hope that people will extend their love for Hello Kitty to other equally endearing animals and increase the appeal to support animal welfare in their actions,” Ho added. 

Meanwhile, Caroline Tsang, chief operating officer of Sanrio Hong Kong, said: “Hello Kitty is more than just a cartoon character. Since 1974, she has been the friend who has accompanied many children into adulthood. She connects the next generation and spreads love and culture that shape a better future."

"As we look forward to the next 50 years of Hello Kitty, along with other Puppy Alliance characters from Sanrio, we are very honoured to collaborate with the SPCA (HK) and be part of a campaign that promotes kindness to animals and fosters positive human-animal relationships. We hope this campaign will inspire everyone to be friends with animals,” added Tsang. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to SPCA for more information. 

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