Wisconsin Humane Society, Children's Wisconsin focus of two Giving Tuesday campaigns

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – After several days focused on shopping, Giving Tuesday is being celebrated on December 1.

Organizations across southeast Wisconsin and around the country hoped to raise money to support their causes.

At the Wisconsin Humane Society, donations are being matched to help support animals. One special dog’s transformation is being highlighted to show the difference emergency care can make.

“He came in about two months ago severely emaciated, totally underweight, dehydrated, and in definite need of medical intervention,” Wisconsin Humane Society Vice President of Communications Angela Speed said.

Through x-rays it was learned the dog, T-Rex, had a corn cob stuck in his small intestine.

“Our vet team performed emergency surgery to remove that corn cob, stitch him back up and he has been recovering ever since,” Speed said.

Speed said the donations will go toward helping other animals like T-Rex.

“The pandemic has touched every nonprofit and like many others we have had to cancel events,” she said.

Also happening in Milwaukee is a radiothon benefiting Children’s Wisconsin.

“Normally we do the Miracle Marathon which happens in May for Children’s Hospital, it’s been 22 years, the biggest fundraiser that Children’s has, but couldn’t do it this year because of the pandemic,” WKLH Morning Show co-host Dorene Michaels said. “That’s why we’re taking advantage of Giving Tuesday.”

The donations will help the hospital in a variety of ways.

“Due to the pandemic the need is even more important,” Christine Baranoucky with the Children’s Wisconsin Foundations said. “The money goes where the greatest need is, so it will really support expressive therapy, wrap-around care, research.”

WKLH hopes to raise $300,000 for Children's Wisconsin.

Donations can be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society on their website. WKLH also has a website page dedicated to donations for the radiothon.