After adopting his rescue dog Brandi in 2012, Jim Paolucci decided to host various fundraisers for PAWS New England, which rescues dogs from high kill shelters, caring for them until they find a “forever home.”

After some research, Paolucci discovered that rescue agencies, for everything they do, are often under-funded and under-appreciated. He realized the few fundraisers a year he was hosting just weren’t bringing in the revenue he would like to see. Paolucci wanted a more lasting initiative that would allow for various rescue organizations to get regular donations.

In March of 2015 he founded the Brandi Project, a predominantly online organization that sells branded merchandise, such as clothing, dog products and houseware items, with a part of the proceeds benefiting rescues agencies. All of the merchandise features the organization’s logo, an easily recognizable dog tag resembling a lifesaver.

Paolucci hoped the logo, in gaining popularity, would become the symbol of support for rescue dogs, similar to the pink ribbon for breast cancer. He believes this will help to curb some of the stigma concerning rescue dogs.

Currently, 25 percent of all sales go to rescue agencies, the other 75 percent going straight back into the company to purchase more merchandise and help grow operations.

In less than a year, the Brandi Project has been able to donate more than $2,000 to PAWS New England and the East Greenwich Animal Protection League (EGAPL).

Paolucci though, just opened Brandi’s Corner Store in November, which is located in his restaurant, The Cowesett Inn. Many of the Brandi Project’s merchandise are available in the storefront, and in two months it has been able to generate $500 in donations.

“We are still really new, but with the store we are getting a lot more exposure,” Paolucci said. “We are starting to get a lot more purchases, and we hope we can continue with that momentum.”

With Brandi’s Corner Store, Paolucci debuted some new merchandise, including a new hooded sweatshirt, which is a popular item, and dog leashes, collars and coffee mugs.

The Brandi Project is also looking to partner with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) soon to benefit a national cause, while remaining loyal to local organizations.

“When people see this it’s a great cause and they want to be a part of it,” Paolucci said.

For more information or to purchase Brandi Project Merchandise visit their website at www.thebrandiproject.com.

You can also visit Brandi’s Corner Store located inside the Cowesett Inn at 226 Cowesett Ave., West Warwick.