Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean hugs and roses for everyone – for some people it’s a reminder of painful heartaches. To ease these feelings a bit, some organizations offer people a way to release their anxiety and support a good cause at the same time.
The Hemsley Conservation Center and the Bristol Animal Rescue Center in the UK have found ways to help people with their pain.
The Hemsley Conservation Center has relaunched its famous “naming a cockroach program”, which allows a person to name a cockroach after their ex-partner. Simply make a small donation of £1.50 through the centre’s online portal, after which the name of a ‘worthless ex-someone’ is put on a ‘bulletin board’ to be revealed on the day of Valentine’s Day.
Henry Weedon, director of operations at the Hemsley Conservation Centre, told Reuters: “If you would like to name it (the cockroach) after a politician, you are more than welcome, all names are welcome, and that’s is all about raising money for the projects we do here at the zoo that help us take care of all the animals here.
Cockroaches are back for 2022!
For just £1.50, name a cockroach after an ex for Valentine’s Day and be part of our famous ‘cockroach board’! https://t.co/HsnmpPdH0p— HCC (@HemsleyCC) January 27, 2022
The Bristol Animal Center has also designed the “poo into pounds” program. One can donate five pounds and in return they can add the name of the person who wronged them to a cat’s litter box. While explaining the program, the center’s website says, “Our cats will poop on your ex, your boss, or anyone else you think deserves a big shit this Valentine’s Day.”
#ItsNotMeItsPoo Turn poo into books for Valentine’s Day! Donate £5 and send us a name and we’ll put them in a litter box! If you haven’t made a donation, do so. Proceeds will be used to care for animals in need. Join the party: https://t.co/Ndq6Hxs7cw https://t.co/1vZRwycX5X pic.twitter.com/BPzNF1MIq1
— Bristol Animal Rescue Center (@Bristol_ARC) February 11, 2022
So far, these programs have succeeded in raising funds while providing people with a fun way to express their emotions.