20 Monterey County GIVES! 2024 mcgives.com Animals DONate online mcgives.com SNIP Bus Mobile Spay and Neuter Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 13 volunteers Budget: $1,200,000 (925) 895-8531 snipbus.org Big Idea: The SNIP Bus operates like a well-oiled machine, efficiently spaying and neutering local dogs and cats. This high-volume operation directly influences the issue of pet overpopulation by providing practical help without barriers. For pet parents who cannot afford the reduced cost, the SNIP Bus waives the fees to serve the community. More than 75,000 pets have been fixed since 2016, providing an accessible and affordable solution as its Big Idea. “Volunteering with SNIP Bus since 2018 has been some of the most impactful work I’ve done during my 30 years of volunteering in the rescue community of Monterey County. Low-cost spay/neuter for low-income residents is literally ground zero for reducing the numbers of animals euthanized at our local shelters. I’ve seen firsthand how we are reaching folks who otherwise could not afford to have their pets fixed. Without SNIP, those animals would continue to add to the overwhelming problem of pet overpopulation in our county and across the U.S. Sadly, most shelter animals leave in a Hefty bag, not on the end of a leash. SNIP is a gift.” -Lisa Sears South County Animal Rescue (SCAR) Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 47 volunteers Budget: $115,000 525-5160 scar.pet Big Idea: South County Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that enhances access to spay and neuter services for South County communities, including a trap-neuter-release program dedicated to fixing stray and feral cats. South County shelter animals facing euthanasia because of high-level medical needs, trauma or kennel stress get help from SCAR as this nonprofit steps in to rescue these pets and give them another chance. Donations help support this Big Idea, a grassroots effort saving hundreds of vulnerable pets every year. “My parents rescued their little dog from SCAR years ago and it was an amazing experience. It just shows the love and empathy their fosters have for the animals they care for! Rosie is our recently adopted SCAR pet and has been the best thing that ever happened to me; she fits right in with our other rescue pups in the family. SCAR is handsdown the best! When it comes time for Rosie to have a sibling, SCAR is the first place I will be looking.” -Kelsey Lewis Ventana Wildlife Society Year Founded: 1982 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 23 paid, 23 volunteers Budget: $2,447,150 455-9514 ventanaws.org Big Idea: The wingspan of this nonprofit’s reach is impressive, establishing a breeding population of the once nearly extinct California condor, now 100-strong from a low point of only 22 birds 30 years ago. This Big Idea still resists severe threats to North America’s largest bird, like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Donations help Ventana Wildlife Society achieve goals to vaccinate the entire wild flock for HPAI and provide essential medical treatment for condors showing signs of lead poisoning, as well as the release of 10 captive-raised condor chicks. “Thank you for your dedication to preserving the California condor. Together, we make a significant difference, honoring those we have lost by ensuring the future success of the species. This year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded us a 1-to-1 matching grant again. This means every donation toward condor recovery will be doubled.” -Kelly Sorenson, executive director of Ventana Wildlife Society “Our cat is alive and happy, and it’s all thanks to BirchBark.” -Angie A., BirchBark UnChained Year Founded: 2011 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 14 paid, 165 volunteers Budget: $225,000 (888) 674-5471 livingunchained.org Big Idea: UnChained currently serves program participants at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus and Monterey County juvenile detention centers, teaching young people how to train homeless dogs in basic skills, good manners and healthy socialization. Dog training combines with therapy and coaching at UnChained, helping youth heal and avoid future incarceration. This nonprofit aims to expand its Big Idea to two or three more partner facilities, expanding the number of at-promise youth and rescue dogs who grow and heal through this program. “I was a troubled child; I would run around causing trouble and I was in and out of incarceration. Most of the dogs didn’t really catch my attention until I’d seen this boxer named Quincy. I learned a lot of social skills and how to control my emotions a lot, and to be more focused, more attentive. Working with Quincy, seeing him get a second shot, actually gave me a little bit of hope.” -Emiliano, program youth participant spotlight
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