By Kyle Marie McMahon
For Two Men and a Truck, moving families is their business, but they know that pets are not just cargo—they’re cherished family members. This conviction is the heart behind their annual Movers for Mutts campaign, a two-month initiative running from September 15 to November 15, dedicated to supporting the Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham. With over 4,000 animals entering the shelter each year, the need for community support is critical. This year, the campaign has set an ambitious goal of raising $30,000 in donations to provide vital supplies and medical care. We spoke with Brooke Wilson, owner of Two Men and a Truck, and Carolyn Wiley, development director for the APS of Durham, to learn more about this powerful partnership and how it makes a life-saving difference.
Brooke Wilson, Owner – Two Men and a Truck Raleigh-Durham
As a moving company, what was the inspiration to create a campaign focused on supporting animal welfare?
At Two Men and a Truck, we see firsthand how much pets mean to the families we move. They’re not just animals—they’re part of the home. When we learned how many homeless pets were entering shelters each year in our own community, we wanted to help in a tangible way. Movers for Mutts was born from that desire to make a difference where we live and work. It’s a natural extension of what we do every day—helping families transition into new chapters of their lives, including those four-legged family members who deserve a loving home.
You’ve increased this year’s goal by $5,000 to hit $30,000. What gives you the confidence to aim higher, and what does that growth signify?
Each year, we’ve seen the generosity of this community surpass expectations. The Triangle is full of compassionate people and businesses who care deeply about giving back. Raising our goal to $30,000 reflects both that trust and our belief that we can do more when we work together. It’s not just about the number, it’s about expanding the impact. Every dollar raised helps the APS save more lives, provide better care, and give animals a second chance. That’s what fuels us to aim higher each year.
Could you tell us more about the community events like Adoptable Dog Yoga and the Duke tailgate? How do these fun events help drive donations and awareness?
We’ve found that when you connect giving back with genuine community experiences, people show up… not just to participate, but to make a difference. Our events are all about partnership and connection. We team up with other local businesses to create moments that bring neighbors together for a cause they care about. Adoptable Dog Yoga at Hi-Wire Brewing, for example, is a community favorite. Where else can you unwind, laugh, and support animal rescue while surrounded by adoptable pups?
The Duke tailgate is another highlight of the season. We lean into one of the most electric rivalries in college sports—Duke versus UNC—by raffling off two pairs of tickets to the Duke vs. UNC basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. It’s an experience that’s nearly impossible to buy your way into, and it’s become our largest fundraising driver each year. Every raffle entry is a 100% contribution to the Animal Protection Society, making it a fun, spirited way for fans to rally around both their team and a great cause.
What role do you believe local businesses should play in supporting community cornerstones like the Animal Protection Society?
Local businesses have a responsibility, and a real opportunity, to be part of the fabric of the communities they serve. We’re not just here to do business; we’re here to make a difference. Partnering with organizations like APS helps strengthen the social heartbeat of Durham. When businesses step up, it not only amplifies resources and awareness for nonprofits, but it also inspires employees and customers alike. It’s a powerful reminder that business success and community well-being go hand in hand.
How do you two work together to make this campaign a success each year? What does the collaboration look like behind the scenes?
Our partnership is very hands-on and collaborative, from start to finish. Carolyn and her team bring deep insight into what the shelter needs most, while we focus on rallying community and business involvement through creative events and outreach. We brainstorm constantly, share resources, and celebrate every milestone together. There’s a genuine respect and shared passion that drives the campaign forward each year. It feels less like a business partnership and more like a team effort for a cause we both love.
What is the single most important message you want the Durham community to take away from this two-month-long campaign?
I want the community to take away that small acts of kindness can create enormous change. Whether you donate a bag of food, attend an event, or simply share the message, you’re part of saving lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps APS provide comfort, care, and hope to animals who need it most. We want the community to know that when we come together, we don’t just raise money; we raise compassion, connection, and community spirit.
Carolyn Wiley, Development Director – Animal Protection Society of Durham
The press release mentions over 4,000 animals entering your facility each year. Could you describe the day-to-day challenges that come with caring for that volume of animals?
Caring for more than 4,000 animals each year means that every single day, our team is balancing compassion with logistics. We’re managing medical evaluations, behavioral assessments, adoptions, and intake all at once … while ensuring that every animal receives individualized attention. Space, supplies, and staffing are constant challenges, especially during peak intake seasons. But at the heart of it all are the animals and the people who love them. Our staff and volunteers show up every day with unwavering dedication to giving each pet the best possible start to their next chapter.
How does a donation drive of this scale, aiming for $30,000, directly impact the animals in your care and your ability to serve the community?
Campaigns like Movers for Mutts make an immediate, visible difference. The funds raised go toward essentials like food, vaccines, and medical treatments, but they also help us invest in enrichment programs that elevate the quality of care. Every dollar allows us to say “yes” more often—to take in an injured animal, provide life-saving surgery, or extend our outreach to families who need help keeping their pets. The impact goes far beyond our shelter walls—it strengthens the entire animal welfare network in our community.
Beyond food and treats, what are some of the most critical but less obvious supplies that this campaign helps provide for the shelter?
It’s easy to think of pet food and toys, but some of our most essential needs are much more practical: cleaning supplies, medical gloves, laundry detergent, and durable bedding. We also rely heavily on things like training aids, leashes, and enrichment tools that help animals build confidence and social skills while they wait for adoption. These everyday items may seem simple, but they are absolutely vital to maintaining a safe, healthy, and comforting environment for the animals in our care.
What does a dedicated partnership with a local business like Two Men and a Truck mean for a nonprofit like APS of Durham?
Partnerships like this are transformative. Two Men and a Truck doesn’t just sponsor our cause, they champion it. Brooke and her team have built something that feels like true community partnership, not just philanthropy. Their creativity, energy, and consistency have elevated awareness of our mission far beyond what we could achieve on our own. For a nonprofit, that kind of sustained visibility and support is invaluable. It helps us build relationships, trust, and momentum in the broader community.
How do you two work together to make this campaign a success each year? What does the collaboration look like behind the scenes?
The collaboration is incredibly organic. Brooke and her team bring fresh ideas and marketing expertise, while we share the on-the-ground perspective of what the shelter and animals need most. It’s a true partnership built on communication and creativity. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other, from community events to messaging and donor engagement, and celebrating every success along the way. The shared goal keeps us connected and inspired throughout the campaign.
What is the single most important message you want the Durham community to take away from this two-month-long campaign?
That compassion has power. Every contribution, every conversation, and every act of kindness helps create a ripple effect of change. When the community stands behind animal welfare, we can do so much more … rescue more pets, educate more families, and build a more humane community for everyone.
The Movers for Mutts campaign is a powerful example of what happens when a local business champions a cause, rather than just sponsoring it. The collaboration between Two Men and a Truck and the Animal Protection Society of Durham is built on a shared passion and a hands-on approach that brings the community together through creative events and heartfelt outreach. As Brooke Wilson shared, the goal is to show that small acts of kindness can create enormous change. Whether it’s a bag of food, a raffle ticket entry, or simply sharing the message, every contribution helps APS provide comfort and care, reminding us all that, in the words of Carolyn Wiley, compassion has the power to build a more humane community for everyone.
