The big feasting for dogs and cats took place on 17 December 2013. The Vienna Samaritans distributed free food to dog and cat owners in their Social Market on Pillergasse. As most of the Social Market's customers are retired people with minimal pension only, and single mothers with their children, the Samaritans expected huge crowds gathering for the occasion. "It's at Christmas time especially that animals help older people against loneliness. And for most children animals are important family members who not only play with them but also further their social awareness and responsibility" Mag. Oliver Löhlein, managing Director of the Vienna Samaritans, said. "That's why we are delighted to be able to support our customers with free pet food. A big Thank you to 'Animal Protection concerns us all!' who donated the dog and cat food.

"We aimed at providing some happiness to needy people and their pets for Christmas, and maybe conjure a little smile on their faces" said Sabine Urbanek, Chairwoman of the association 'Animal Protection concerns us all!': "Domestic animals often represent the only foothold in life for many people, and providing for the beloved animal can be a major problem. This is where we want to contribute by offering free pet food in Social Markets in the future, too."

The Samaritans operate two Social Markets in Vienna. The first one was opened in 2010 at Pillergasse 20, and another one exists at Frömmlgasse 31, where a similar action was organized in January 2014.

'Animal Protection concerns us all!' could donate 1.2 tons of pet food. We delivered it to the Social Market on Pillergasse 20 in separate Christmas wrapped parcels for dogs and cats. The distribution to customers happened on 17 December 2013, from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Giving so much joy to needy people during the otherwise stressful Christmas season filled our hearts with warmth ... just doing good.