Who we support
We chose to support these programs and places because each one has touched our hearts. They’re all community-driven, deeply compassionate, and aligned with what matters most to us — kindness, sustainability, and doing what’s right for animals and the people who care for them. These aren’t just partnerships; they’re connections built on shared values and trust.
Tangkahan Village, North Sumatra
This is where it all began. Tangkahan is Mate’s first home, and it will always be close to our hearts. We’ve built strong, respectful relationships with the people of the village, and consider it our second home. Our team on the ground is proudly led by Beni and Pirman — two locals whose passion, hard work, and commitment make everything possible. In Tangkahan, Mate’s Gift supports a wide range of projects including a sterilisation clinic, an elephant feeding program, growing grass on Mate’s Gift land, women’s health support, and educational help for the local English club.
Pete’s Mission Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation – Pai, Thailand
We met Ryan in 2016 at Elephant Nature Park and were instantly struck by his kindness and tireless dedication. Now based in Pai, he runs Pete’s Mission, where he not only cares for dogs but also a much-loved horse, pigs, and a chicken — all rescued and now part of the family. His focus is on rescue, rehabilitation, and outreach, with a mission to heal animals and educate communities so that, whenever possible, animals can be reintegrated into safe, supported homes. Pete’s Mission is not a traditional shelter — it’s a community-driven approach to sustainable animal welfare, and Ryan’s work is a beautiful reflection of that.
ACT Bali Dog Rescue – Bali, Indonesia
Led by Ebony (Australia) and Kari (USA), ACT Bali Dog Rescue has been part of our support network for years. They focus on sterilisation clinics, education, and adoption events — placing local dogs with local families and transforming lives one animal at a time. Their commitment to community-led change aligns beautifully with our own values.
Sumatran Cat and Dog
Sumatran Cat and Dog – Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra
Sumatran Cat and Dog is a small, local program based in Bukit Lawang and run by Conny, who also operates a rescue centre in Sri Lanka. We were introduced to their work through Dr. Rini, a respected and tireless vet from Jakarta who regularly supports animal welfare programs across Indonesia. She’s known as the go-to vet for many NGOs and charities doing this kind of work, and we were grateful for the connection.
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Mate’s Gift sponsored the program in 2024 and we’re keen to continue supporting them into 2025 and beyond. Their work focuses on sterilisation, parasite control, and encouraging responsible pet ownership within the community. It’s a grounded and meaningful initiative, and we’re proud to play a small role in helping them grow.
Toba Animal Friends – Lake Toba, Sumatra
Connected to us through friends in Tangkahan, Toba Animal Friends is working bravely to combat the dog meat trade and improve animal welfare in a region with little to no government support. They run desexing programs, rescue operations, and awareness campaigns with incredible impact — all with very limited resources and an enormous amount of heart.
