Show Some Love for Furry Friends at Ruff and Rumble
Valentine’s Day might be a time for lovers, but for Rumble in the Jumble, it’s also as good a time as any to show some love for the furry companions in our lives with their upcoming Ruff and Rumble charity event.
Hitting Modernista this Saturday, Ruff and Rumble is a day for raising awareness about pet rescuing and pet ownership, with activities like a runway fashion show in which pets and their owners can strut their stuff to win the audience’s praise and perhaps a prize!
We talked with Rumble in the Jumble’s Fran Hanshing ahead of the event to find out more about the runway show and more.
Hey Fran, it’s good to catch up. Do you own any pets of your own?
Yes, six aquatic turtles (five of them adopted) and more than 30 fresh-water fishes…we have two fish tanks.
How did this concept come about and who have you partnered with to bring it about?
The inaugural collaboration between Rumble in the Jumble and pet rescuers took place in 2021 at Tongli Market (Shunyi). These dedicated rescuers, who are active members of our Beijing community, invest their time and resources to assist abandoned pets and help them find caring new homes. As they regularly participate in our events, we aimed to dedicate a special day to raise awareness about pet welfare and responsible pet ownership.
In 2022, we returned to Tongli Market (Shunyi) and partnered with three animal rescue organizations to host "Ruff & Rumble," a Rumble in the Jumble event specifically designed to generate funds for these groups. Thanks to the support of the Beijing community, we successfully raised over RMB 15,000. Encouraged by this success, we held the event again in 2023, collaborating with four organizations and co-hosting it with Plan B (Pinguo Yuan). With the help of various supporters and sponsors, we raised nearly RMB 10,000. Each event has been incredibly meaningful, and filled with wonderful experiences, proving that puppy love is truly irresistible.
This year, free from the constraints of Covid and in the splendid venue of Modernista, we are confident that we will achieve much greater success compared to previous editions. Once again, we are grateful for the support of our amazing sponsors and supporters.
Seeing as Rumble always has some sort of market element involved, will any tie in this time?
We’ve come up with a cool concept called “Bazzarday” (yep, with two z’s) – it’s all about conscious consumption. Some brave crafters and emerging brands, even those with little marketing know-how, have found some success in a market where many consumers lean toward mainstream brands. However, there’s a growing trend among Chinese shoppers who are on the lookout for niche brands that promote their well-being.
People are becoming more aware of their environmental impact, and these new brands could help boost their sense of wellness. But are these emerging brands ready for the Chinese market? Probably not yet. It takes time and resources to build a brand, and many small producers struggle with that. So, what’s the perfect platform for new entrepreneurs, and test their creations? Pop-up markets and bazaars! That’s the spirit of #bazzardays. When we organize our boutique events, we carefully choose vendors based on a theme, the greatest hits of Beijing! This way we create a space where everyone can thrive together.
How will the runway show work? Is there any judging or awards involved?
This is the first time we are hosting a runway show, and we are very excited! We have various fur guardians signed up with their fur babies.
Starting at 3pm, Dorrit (from Divine Daughters) and Paul (from Art Talks Beijing PR) will take the stage as hosts. They are gathering stories from the participants about their unique bonds, and they will be shared while participants are on the catwalk. It won’t be a competition, but participants will get an appreciation award for participating. We eagerly anticipate the outfits they will showcase!
What else is in store for the event and what would you recommend people bring or prepare (besides their pets, of course)?
We will feature a kissing booth, raffle, a photo booth, workshops, good music, and a variety of vendors showcasing pet products and services. Among these offerings are astral readings, veterinary services, and pet relocation services.
Modernista will have happy hour during the event, with Aperol spritz, mojitos and red sangria for only RMB 50！
So, bring some cash and help support the cause—it's #forthepups.
Also, if you can’t come but still want to contribute, you can add Rumble’s WeChat service account: BAZZARDAY and we’ll happily receive donations!
Rumble in the Jumble's Ruff and Rumble is happening on Saturday, Feb 15 from 1-6.30pm. Entry is free and you can find out more about the event via this post.
Modernista
44 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同44号
READ: Feel the Love: Valentine's Day Deals & Specials in Beijing, Pt. 1
Images: Unsplash, courtesy of Rumble in the Jumble
