As the holiday season approaches—a time when fireplaces crackle in our homes and we gather around the dinner table—Rytas Vilnius urges everyone not to forget those for whom winter is the toughest fight for survival. The capital’s basketball club has announced that December and January are dedicated to homeless animals. Together with the organization “SOS gyvūnai”, they are inviting the basketball community to unite for a noble cause: to help change the fates of our four-legged friends.
This holiday season, the arena will be filled not just with team colors, but with kindness. The campaign’s main message—”Help Change Fates”—was chosen for a reason. Every euro donated or item brought to a game makes a tangible difference in brightening the life of a shelter animal.
Ieva Rakauskaitė, project coordinator at “SOS gyvūnai,” is delighted that the paths of basketball fans and animal lovers are crossing once again.
“We are grateful to Rytas Vilnius for a friendship that has lasted for years. This partnership brings joy not only to the animals living in the shelter—who have received mountains of necessary supplies and financial support during our joint campaigns—but also to our volunteers,” Rakauskaitė said. “Thanks to Rytas, we have attended multiple games, and I can safely say that even those on our team who weren’t interested in basketball before have become true fans of the sport and the Rytas team.”
Rakauskaitė emphasizes that such partnerships are crucial in solving pressing issues:
“For ‘SOS gyvūnai,’ these friendships are incredibly significant. There are still many cases of animal neglect and cruelty in Lithuania, and the numbers are rising. Only through the solidarity of the public and our partners can we begin to slow this trend. We are glad that Rytas is the friend helping us spread the word about animal welfare issues to the public and basketball fans, rallying them to take action.”
How to Contribute to the Campaign
Throughout December and January, fans coming to support the team at home games in the Twinsbet and Active Vilnius arenas are invited to bring not just their passion for basketball, but also gifts for the animals.
Currently, the shelter is most in need of everyday, yet vitally important items:
Cleanliness and Hygiene: Gloves, trash bags, floor cleaners, puppy pads.
Household: Plastic storage boxes, mats/bedding.
For Cats: Litter, litter boxes.
For Dogs: Collars, cages/crates, leashes.
Gift cards from the veterinary pharmacy “Begemotas” are also highly appreciated, as they allow the shelter to quickly purchase necessary medication or special food.
Those who cannot attend the games or wish to contribute immediately are invited not to wait—you can donate €5 by calling or sending an SMS to the short number 1491.
More ways to support can be found here: https://sos-gyvunai.lt/paramos-budai
Although the urge to gift a pet often arises during the holidays, we remind you: an animal is not a toy or a temporary gift to put under the tree. It is a long-term commitment and responsibility. Therefore, “SOS gyvūnai” invites those looking for a new family member to responsibly evaluate their capabilities and visit the shelter, where hundreds of loyal hearts are waiting for that one chance.
Let’s be united not only in supporting our team but also in extending a helping hand to those who cannot ask for it themselves. Together, we can change their fates.