As the Christmas season begins, we find ourselves in a last-ditch effort to raise money for the animals in our care.
Running a sanctuary that is currently home to 86 cats is not easy when you have no guaranteed income. I don’t think people even think about the hidden expenses. For example, our insurance for the sanctuary for this year was $3,500. Fuel to get us through the winter will be around $3,000, electric and sewer around $1,200. The dumpster we rent to dispose of trash is $185 per month, internet and phone $90 a month.
This does not include vet bills, food, litter and other items necessary to run the sanctuary. Snow removal is also an added expense.
Last year our vet bills were around $40,000.
We rely on donations, grants and fundraising for all of our monies. We do not contract with any towns, nor do we have any paid employees. We are all volunteer based. We provide a free service to our town and we are very proud that we can do that.
Many of our volunteers work full-time jobs as well as volunteering at the ark. Why? Because there is a need and because they love making a difference in the lives of so many animals. It’s not about a paycheck; it’s about making a difference.
There are days when it is overwhelming. There are times that we have no more room to take any more animals. There are days when we feel like we are fighting a losing battle when it comes to people neutering and spaying their pets. When this happens, we stop and regroup and tell ourselves it will be okay. We will find a way. And we always do.
Our work is so very important to our small hometown. We also know we would not be able to do this work without you and your support.. We appreciate your support and generosity.
Happy Holidays to you all.
Thank you for your continued support and support and, as always, thank you for reading our column.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located at 102 Old Woodstock Rd., Houlton. Visit them online at arkanimalsanctuary.org/home, call 532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
