Swank helps pet adoption campaign

DAYTON, Ohio, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Hilary Swank has been named the 2009 ambassador for Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption campaign, organizers said.

Swank, who won best actress Oscars for her work in the films "Boys Don't Cry" and "Million Dollar Baby," is expected to share her personal experience with pet adoption and rescue in an effort to help educate others about how they can make a positive impact on the lives of homeless pets, the announcement said.

Along with founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center and nearly 3,500 participating animal organizations around the world, the program has set a goal to help 1.5 million pets find homes Oct. 1 through Jan. 4, 2010.

"I'm so proud to be working with Iams Home 4 the Holidays to help raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption," Swank said in a statement. "Last year, the program's adoption goal was to get 1 million pets adopted in just three months, but this year the goal is even bigger."

"Along with Hilary and her inspiration, our 3,500 animal organizations are working to shine a big spotlight on the need to help the nearly 8 million homeless pets in our country, and are committed to helping raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption," said Mike Arms, founder of Iams Home 4 the Holidays and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center.