2020 has been a tough year for animal rescue groups in Victoria. COVID-19 restrictions have stopped people moving around, and they have restricted ways that animal rescue groups can raise money. As a result, fundraiser dinner events have been cancelled and trivia night have moved online. Plus, food businesses that support animal rescue groups via money collection tins are shut.
In addition, animal rescue groups are struggling to connect with their supporters and new fans because public events have been cancelled. Many animal rescue groups rely on vegan markets and festivals so they can build awareness for their causes. So sadly, all of these events have been cancelled this year.
Now, animal rescue groups are running out of money and they will struggle to help animals who need rescuing, rehabilitation, vet care and basic supplies. But what can you do and how can you help animal rescue groups stay on their feet and survive in 2020? The most effective and immediate way you can help is by making a donation and you can ensure these animal rescue groups can continue their essential work. In Australia, any donation of $2.00 or more is tax deductable.
Below, you’ll find four animal rescue groups that need your help. They are all volunteer-run, so your financial help is vital. Please consider donating to their causes because every dollar helps.
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter is a wildlife shelter based in Monbulk in Melbourne’s outer east. It’s run by Nicola Rae, who has dedicated the last five years to rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife including birds, marsupials and reptiles. The shelter covers their costs through donations and grant funding where possible; the shelter receives no government funding. Donations go towards heat pads, heat lamps, syringes, needles, portable cots for joeys, cages, bowls and possum boxes. You can make a donation online here.
Lamb Care Australia
Lamb Care Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that rehabilitates and re-homes abandoned or orphaned lambs during the lambing season across Victoria. Up to 15 million lambs die within the first 48 hours of life across Australia, mostly from hypothermia or malnutrition. Funds raised throughout the year provide rescued lambs with essentials including vet care, food, non-wool jumpers and nappies. Once lambs are rehabilitated, they are sent to their forever homes where they live out their lives. Consider donating to Lamb Care Australia via direct debit or Paypal here.
Rabbit Run-away Orphanage
Rabbit Run-away Orphanage is another not-for-profit organisation that provides care for sick, unwanted, stray or mistreated rabbits. This rabbit orphanage is Victoria’s first no kill pet rabbit rescue that facilitates short-term care for rabbits, provides rabbits with medical rehabilitative care, and long-term homing solutions. The orphanage also educated the public about rabbit ownership and care. Rabbits are rescued from pounds, ‘overflow’ from other animal shelters, vet clinics and through private rescues. To donate, visit their website here.
Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary
Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary is located in Melbourne’s outer south-east, a farm animal rescue group that provides permanent sanctuary to cattle, sheep, goats, horses, ponies and chickens. Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary is a privately funded, not-for-profit sanctuary that rescues animals who would otherwise be a ‘by-product’ of farming industries in Victoria including the dairy industry. Currently, Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary is holding a Vet Work for Calves online fundraiser, which you can donate to here.
If you’d like to help Fire & Tea inspire more people to travel the vegan road, you can do so via Patreon. Thank you for checking it out!
