A lot of Indians suddenly find themselves in a strange situation since Tuesday midnight. A cloak and dagger demonetisation move has essentially left millions with ₹500 and ₹1000 notes that are now not worth the paper they were printed on. While they wait to exchange the defunct money at banks, an animal rescue shelter has come up with a novel idea to encash the currency swap for a good cause.
Shravan Krishnan, an animal activist from Chennai, has started a donation drive to treat rescued animals. His shelter will accept the old ₹500 and ₹1000 notes. The move comes even as e-tailers flood consumers with messages saying they will not accept the old denominations.
"We rescued 43 dogs, 3 cows and 6 cats during Diwali. We've already spent a lot of money on these animals' treatment. So we were planning to start a donation drive for them and seek funds," Krishnan told HuffPost India.
He said some of these animals were injured during the bursting of firecrackers and some got run over by cars during Diwali. Krishnan said his shelter decided to accept ₹500 and ₹1000 notes because that will encourage more people to come forward and donate.
"They won't have to queue up in banks and they are actually helping a cause," he said.
In a Facebook post, Krishnan listed the animals that need treatment and the amount that needs to go in for it.
Krishnan said they have so far received ₹8,000 in cash, mostly in notes of ₹500 and ₹1000. "We have received some money transfer too. There are always many animals lovers out there," he added.
If you are looking to spend your ₹500 and ₹1000 notes, instead of exchanging at the bank, this is the post you should check out:
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