A long-standing animal sanctuary in Colorado is grappling with significant fundraising challenges as winter approaches. Maxine Mager, the founder of Creative Acres, has reported a severe drop in donations due to a phone line issue that has hindered her ability to communicate with supporters. With nearly 200 animals to care for, the sanctuary is in urgent need of assistance to ensure their survival through the cold months ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Creative Acres, a nonprofit animal sanctuary, is facing a critical fundraising period.
- Founder Maxine Mager has been unable to communicate effectively due to a phone line issue.
- The sanctuary typically raises around $40,000 during the fall but is struggling this year.
- Rising costs for feed and supplies are compounding the challenges.
The Challenges Faced By Creative Acres
Creative Acres has been a beacon of hope for animals in need for nearly 40 years. However, this year, the sanctuary is facing unprecedented hurdles. Mager explained that a cellphone company cut her phone line multiple times, leaving her without a working phone for over a month. This disruption has severely impacted her ability to reach out for donations and support.
"They cut my line and apparently they cut it five times. I haven’t had a phone for over a month," Mager stated.
The fall season is typically the busiest time for fundraising, as Mager relies on this period to gather essential supplies and donations to sustain the animals through winter. Unfortunately, this year, she has only managed to raise a fraction of the usual amount.
Financial Strain and Rising Costs
Mager revealed that her current bank balance is a mere $200, which is alarming given the sanctuary’s needs. The feed she has on hand will only last for about one to two weeks. The rising costs of feed and propane have also taken a toll on the sanctuary’s finances, with Mager noting that prices have tripled.
- Current Financial Status:
- Bank Account: $200
- Feed Duration: 1-2 weeks
- Price Increase: 3x for feed and propane
In addition to financial woes, Mager is dealing with mechanical issues, including a malfunctioning generator and vehicle, which further complicates the logistics of caring for the animals. A falling tree on the property poses additional risks to the animals’ safety.
A Call For Help
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Mager remains hopeful. She is reaching out to the community for support, urging people to donate either time or money to help sustain the sanctuary.
"I’m more worried about my outdoor animals. No one is going to starve," she reassured. "But we’ll always make it. There are things here we can sell. We just got a phone now so we can call people."
Mager’s determination to keep the sanctuary running is evident, but she cannot do it alone. The community’s support is crucial in ensuring that Creative Acres can continue to provide a safe haven for the animals in its care.
For those interested in helping, Mager encourages donations and support through the sanctuary’s website, where more information can be found about how to contribute to this vital cause.
