Saturday, March 13, 2010

The Audacity of The Hope

From the home page of The Hope Sanctuary's website:
We are about to be evicted from our premises. We need to fundraise and FAST.
We desperately need $1 million US to buy the Sanctuary before March 31st. If not and heaven forbid, we may have to put down all the dogs and cats we shelter. That's over 100 dogs and 25+ cats. Please pass this on to anyone and everyone - local and overseas. Anyone with any fundraising suggestions, solutions or investors/donators - PLEASE contact us[...]
To paraphrase, give us a million bucks or we'll kill every last one of these pets.

This "sanctuary" is in Barbados. I've never been to Barbados so I don't know if there is some kinda secret definition for sanctuary there but gee, this has got to be one of the worst fundraising pitches ever. What if I give them $5 or $500,000 and then they don't get enough from other donors to make up the $1 million needed? What happens to my money? Will it be used fund the killing of 125 dogs and cats?

OK I don't actually have $500,000 (take a check?) so here are some alternative suggestions:
  • Look for a place to house the 125 pets that costs less than a goddamn million dollars.
  • Failing that, see if you can find permanent or foster homes for the pets. You can also network with other rescues to see who might be able to help.
Sanctuary. Ha.

"Crucifixion lasts hours. It's a slow, horrible death."
"Well, at least it gets you out in the open air."

1 comment:

Unknown said...

That's one of the worst fund-raising pitches I've heard. You're supposed to express urgency, include a personal story, ask a few times...not threaten folks w/ mass murder to get people to donate. Geez.