Rescue Link (and it didn't cost $100k)

[_PL_]

Born from Shel's extensive research, asking rescues exactly what they need and what the obstacles are now that PR are cutting us out of welfare donations and individual presence.

 

I know there's been attempts at starting new PR sites and even new DOL sites but it takes the support of a community to get these things off the ground. 

 

Anyway, brand new so please be kind and please share.  In the first couple of days there are some rescues on board already. 

 

http://rescuelink.com.au/

[shel]

Thank you for posting this intro Powerlegs! <3

Still very early days, but thank you for your support and understanding while we find our feet

Along with individual adverts, I hope to do feature pieces which help promote issues important to rescue and the ways the community can help.

A not insignificant one is that calendars are a vital seasonal fundraiser for rescues. If you are selling a calendar not on this list, don't hesitate to PM me

Want to get a calendar for 2018 and help pets at the same time?
Many pet lovers like to use the coming new year as a chance to lend a hand to their local rescue group by buying a calendar. These lovely mementoes are able to be enjoyed all year long, but more importantly, serve as a valuable seasonal fundraiser for volunteer groups to raise the money they need to operate for the rest of the year.
http://rescuelink.com.au/post/want-to-get-a-calendar-for-2018-and-help-pets-at-the-same-time

I've also written this piece on the challenges faced by rescue in 2018. It will come as no surprise to anyone here to find out what #1 is...

What challenges do rescue groups face in 2018?
The top concern reported by rescue groups in Australia is funding, combined with the feeling that something in the last two to five years has caused a drop in the available monetary donations available to rescue.
http://rescuelink.com.au/post/what-challenges-do-rescue-groups-face-in-2018

 

Please ask any questions you may have, or drop me a pm or email

 

x
Shel

[tdierikx]

Nice work Shel!!!

 

T.

[Little Gifts]

Amazing work!!!! I'll be sharing it!

 

Shel I am with 2 animal rescue support groups (and a third I only support from time to time) based on FB. Is there an option to also add a link to support groups that people can be part of or would that be seen as perhaps detracting from the direct cash giving concept? There are some that make and source items specific to the rescue group's needs, there are some who advertise donated items online (or at markets/events) and when they sell donate the money to a rescue group and there are some where the items donated for sale are sold but the cash goes to one rescue and the sold item is then on-donated to another rescue (dog coats is a common example).

 

Being with one particularly support group (who will support and source anything!), the thing that confuses me is a focus by many rescue groups on just money as the best way of giving. From my experience now lots of people can make and source but not everyone has spare cash, especially not large amounts at any one time. Through these groups I've seen personal connections obtain expensive, specialist items a lot cheaper than straight off the shelf and I've seen bulk amounts of highly consumed items (large dog beds for instance) that can be made by hand and supplied at a fraction of the cost if they were purchased. As well as that, bulk orders for consumables like food can be obtained at good prices by one person using small donations from many in the support group. Same with a gift card if that is seen as the best option (like a Bunnings one for building materials). I totally understand that rescue often needs money to cover vet costs (probably their biggest outlay) but I think they are overlooking ways of spreading their money around differently, particularly in leaner times. Some of these support groups are also willing to do the running around, sourcing at the best prices and arranging deliveries. It seems the number of creators and donators out there is increasing (it certainly is in my circles) while the number of money givers is staying around the same. I've also noticed the money givers now giving less to each because they are trying to give to more groups at the same time. Another thing about the creators and donators is I am meeting people through my work who would love to connect with a specific rescue group to support in an ongoing fashion and will make items that they can sell to raise actual money (or for the animals in their care) but they don't know how to make those initial connections and most rescue groups are (rightly) focused on the animals care and adoptions.

 

The biggest downside to rescue support groups that I see is the 'in and out' nature of most (not all). They will help in one instance and you may not engage with them again that year (maybe ever). They are not usually something you can rely on regularly (although the same could be said for monetary donations). On the flip side they can step in when a rescue group is most in need (large seizures, tragic/natural events) and there is nothing stopping a supporter remaining connected to a specific group they've made a connection with (we all have our weak spots!). If a rescue group had cash flow issues it could definately be a way of ensuring kibble and medical supplies were restocked for a couple of months or that all animals in their care had bedding and coats for that winter. It's just another option and if we know exactly what they need we can source or make it. 

 

Are rescue support groups something you are aware of through your research? Is there any feedback from rescue about their value to them? I personally think it is an untapped resource that will continue to grow and that a clever rescue group would jump on board. The ones I am involved with are run by people who take the coordination tasks seriously and who try to be professional and reliable in their dealings with rescue groups (nothing like time wasters or people who let you down when time is not your friend). One group has made at least $12,000 and donated it this year to I think 10 specific groups. They are also running several goods donations programs for items being made and donated on top of the cash donation side of things. This support group has a growing membership too of creators/donators and buyers from right across the country. They also have big networks and are creating their own business models that seem to be working if you base success on growth.

 

So I'd be interested on your thoughts on this when you have time.

[shel]

Amazing work!!!! I'll be sharing it!

Thanks very much LG :) Answers to the other questions in line <3
 
I am with 2 animal rescue support groups... Is there an option to also add a link to support groups that people can be part of or would that be seen as perhaps detracting from the direct cash giving concept? 

 

Nope, no detraction - that's exactly what the site is for. Please absolutely submit or PM me an advert and I'll put it up If you're Facebook-based all the better, because new supporters can start interacting with you immediately. This project will be trying to work in harmony with rescue support groups as you've described, by simply increasing people's awareness that it is an option. 
 
... the thing that confuses me is a focus by many rescue groups on just money as the best way of giving... I think they are overlooking ways of spreading their money around differently, particularly in leaner times... I personally think it is an untapped resource that will continue to grow and that a clever rescue group would jump on board. 

 

I agree with you 1000%. Everything you said was absolutely right on IMO. 

So in short, yes! yes! yes!

[~Anne~]

Wow, looks great. I didn’t notice any social media links? Are you broadcasting across multiple channels? 

 

I’ve been out of rescue for a few years now but I like to keep up with new things where I can. I also try to help where I can but now that I’m not based in Sydney it’s a bit harder. If you think I can help in any way with your social channels, let me know. I have a fair bit of experience proefessionally in this area.  

Edited December 23, 2017 by ~Anne~

[shel]

On 23/12/2017 at 8:26 AM, ~Anne~ said:

If you think I can help in any way with your social channels, let me know. I have a fair bit of experience proefessionally in this area.  

1

Thanks for reaching out Anne! There is definitely a load of grunt work still to do. I'm flat out with kids and school holidays, but will touch base in the new year. Thanks again  x

 

Edited December 29, 2017 by shel