I've been trying to identify 2 or 3 ferrets that I can "Santa" on the
Secret Santa tree. I wish I could help each and every one!!! Their
stories are all so compelling!!!

Here is my particular situation and how I hope to leverage it to help
other small shelters.

As a retiree of a major insurance company, I can get up to 100% of any
donation I make matched - which means up to $2 for every $1 I give. It
may not always be a 100% match - but I feel blessed that I have the
opportunity to leverage ANY donation I can make.

As President of the Ferret Association of Connecticut (FACT), I do what
I can to help support the FACT shelter. The matches are a very big help
as there are no dollar limits at least for the time being. . . .

Furthermore, FACT has not added ferrets to the giving tree so far, not
because we don't need help!! But because we believe that this is a
golden opportunity for less established and shelters operating on the
edge to seek support from the ferret community! One of our goals is to
do our best to support other shelters and. as Pres, I try my best to
put my few $$'s where my mouth is.

I want so much to be able to personally help all the shelters
struggling in these hard economic times. My personal resources beyond
doing what I can to support FACT are rather limited ... but I still
want to try to leverage what little help I can offer.

Rather than trying to select any of the way deserving ferrets on the
superb giving tree, I ask that any shelter in dire need of financial
support to email me in the nest 2-3 days with just a very brief
overview of the number of ferrets they are caring for and their needs.

[A later P.S.]

Sorry I didn't finish this up earlier --- didn't realize it was sent
until I went to finish up my email tonight! THAT's how my day has been!

Andyway --- Unfortunately, only shelters that have 501(c) 3 status are
eligible for matches by my former employer. And you will probably have
to complete some information in order to receive the match. It isn't
onerous, just a bit of "paperwork" that they need.

As I said, I wish I could help each and every one! And while I'd love
to send along some toys and other gifts, after running FACT for so many
years, I've learned that cash is what every shelter always needs. :)

On a final note - I urge everyone who has donors to have each
person see if their employer offers matches! Also, many United Way
organizations allow donations to animal shelters (here in CT, you can
write in any 501(c)3 - and it isn't common knowledge that you can
designate where funds go. Those are super ways to get help locally.
Also ask about volunteer grants. FACT can get a total of three a year
from the pool of current and former employees. It used to be $1500 a
year - but now it's less, but no less helpful!

And Merry Christmas Bill!!! and everyone on the FML!

Ann Gruden
President
Ferret Association of Connecticut.

[Posted in FML 6185]