‘Tis The Season For Giving – Open Thread (Updated)
By Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy on December 26, 2008 at 7:30 AM in Current Affairs, Economy
Back around Thanksgiving, NQ had asked us to come up with some charities that are particular important. One of the ones I listed was People Helping Horses. This organization takes in horses from a number of agencies, including counties who have horses surrendered or rescued. In this economy, all charities are being affected, this one included. A few days ago, I received the following email from them:
It Comes Down to Dollars and Cents
Make A Donation Now
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Dear Amy,
Looking out on the freshly fallen snow on our property, it is a beautiful sight to behold. The snow-covered mountains provide a serene backdrop and all appears calm and peaceful. But this winter wonderland we’ve been experiencing has come at a high price.
It is a daily struggle just to keep the water in our horses’ buckets thawed during the blistering cold; most horses need to be given electrolytes in order to encourage them to drink.
The record low temperatures mean that we must not only blanket every horse, but double blanket them to ensure they are kept warm.
Because of the snow accumulation, turn out for the horses is nearly impossible. Many of the rescues have corrective shoes and the icy conditions make turnout outdoors much too dangerous; so we are limited to the space in our covered arena and round pen in order to allow the horses exercise. For the seventy horses in our care, that precious time is far too short.
Because of hazardous road conditions, many of the valuable volunteers and staff members that we count on for the daily support and – most importantly – TLC of our rescues have been unable to get to the barn. With a week’s supply of grain and shavings left and no foreseeable end in sight to this unpredictable winter weather, I worry if we will be able to provide for all of the horses here. A frozen tractor engine block and intermittent power have only added to the many struggles we are facing now; and we’re expecting the worst of it yet to come when the powdery snow turns to ice and we begin to thaw out.
As I turned out horses into the arena the other day, I noticed that even the horses’ spirits are down. The cold weather has taken a toll not just on our facility, but on their very demeanors. I can imagine they eagerly long for the day when the weather breaks, the snow melts, the volunteers return and they can once again resume normal activity; I anxiously await that too.
That is why I’m reaching out to you now. Winter has officially begun and I worry that this is only the beginning of a long, hard season. We have already taken calls from animal control in three counties, and we have 5 new rescues in our care; these calls are coming in earlier than last year… much earlier… and we are being told to prepare for more seizures in the coming weeks; some desperate people are even abandoning their horses, unthinkable!
In this struggling economy, we have seen a dramatic decrease in donations, of which we rely on to stay open; I cannot imagine if our doors were not open and we weren’t here to provide a safe haven for these innocent horses. But I know that as long as I can count on your valuable support, we will continue to rescue and care for horses in need. Your gift will go a long way in not just providing food and shelter for them, but offering one of these precious animals a second chance.
Please consider a gift today. All donations are tax-deductible and will help us continue to feed and care for these wonderful animals. Although the long winter promises to be a challenging one, it is a challenge that I know we can face with your invaluable partnership. We wouldn’t exist without you. From my heart and for the horses, thank you.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Salstrom
Founder & Executive Director, People Helping Horses
Save a Life Today!
Make A Donation
Or Mail in a Donation to:
People Helping Horses
24717 43rd Ave NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Quick Links…
Visit us on the web at
www.peoplehelpinghorses.org
Join our mailing list at
www.peoplehelpinghorses.org/newsletter/enewsletter.php
Like I said, lots of places are needing help, but this is a good one. Please consider opening your hearts and your wallets. Besides money, they also need goods. There’s a list at their site.
Another great way to help organizations if you are shopping online anyway is to go through iGive.com. Pick your charity, then go shopping at any of the numerous online stores. Each store gives a percentage to the charity, so it is nothing out of YOUR pocket. For instance, I had to get some joint supplements for my horse. I went to my usual store, through iGive.com, and as a result, People Helping Horses got over $4. That really adds up when everyone does that, even if it is a small order. And I order things like that fairly often. Within a year, just think how much money you could give to the charity of your choice!
It’s been a hard year for everyone. Let’s try and help where we can, through time, goods, and/or money. We’re all in this together!
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