Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving to non profits – giving of time, heart, money – Instead of shopping; GIVE instead.
The 7th annual Giving Tuesday is December 3rd and this year I am asking you for your support of an organization near and dear to my heart, Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.
For over 10 years , I’ve supported Big Cat Rescue (BCR) , a wonderful sanctuary for abandoned and abused big cats . I visit BCR several times a year and help support it financially. I’ve seen cats arrive in horrible conditions, some starved and bone thin. But due to the diligent care and love of the BCR staff , these cats can recover to their majestic selves . Cats who only knew abuse and beatings come to trust and love again through enrichment and constant attention and love.
And 3 former circus tigers have just arrived at Big Cat Rescue. With the help of Animals Defenders International these tigers were rescued and will now call BCR their permanent home.
Big Cat Rescue is one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats. At anytime it is home to 60 -100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, lynx, servals, ocelots and caracals . The cats come from horrific abuse situations, are orphaned, saved from becoming fur coats, retired circus performers, or rescued as babies left motherless when killed by hunters.
Founded in 1992, its mission is to “provide the best home we can for the cats in our care, end abuse of big cats in captivity and prevent extinction of big cats in the wild. “
I can attest to the dedication of the staff, mostly volunteers, who work with an open and giving heart to care for the big cats who have a permanent home at Big Cat Rescue. Volunteers who clean out enclosures, sing and talk to the cats, and go on rescue missions to save a cat from abuse. Every dollar donated to Big Cat Rescue goes directly to the cats. . All donations are used to care for and feed the big cats.
Over the years I have sponsored many cats including tigers Zeus and Keisha, Zabu, Hoover, Seth and T.J. ; plus bobcats Nabisco, Mrs. Claws, Max and Maryann and lion Cameron/
Donating money is just ONE way you can help the cats.
Here are some other ways you can give on Giving Tuesday:
1. Make the Call of the Wild – FREE – only costs a few seconds of your time
IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO HELP BIG CATS!
The Call of the Wild is a quick call to your members of Congress to ask for their support of the Big Cat Public Safety Act
2. Sponsor a cat(s) – Just like I do ! I already renewed my support for 2020 and even included more cats in my sponsorship!
3. Sign up for Amazon Smile – Shop on Amazon and support the cats at the same time and at no extra cost to you! Amazon will donate a portion of your purchases to Big Cat Rescue. Nothing better than getting a deal on Amazon and knowing Amazon will donate directly to the cats! Sign up for the Smile program here
4. Watch and Share BCR Videoes– Big Cat Rescue is on YouTube and by sharing the educational videos you help educate others on important cat issues and bring awareness to Big Cat Rescue.
5. Donate Unwanted Gift Cards – Maybe you’ll get some this holiday season, maybe your wallet is full of unwanted cards right now. Donate them to Big Cat Rescue by clicking here
A Star on Charity Navigator
Rest assured your money donations are being used appropriately and for the cats. Big Cat Rescue is transparent in its operations and has earned Charity Navigator‘s highest 4-star rating for “sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency” EVERY YEAR since first evaluated in 2010.
THE CATS NEEDS YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT
Please consider this Giving Tuesday a gift to the precious cats of Big Cat Rescue. With our voices and support these cats can live the life they deserve at their forever home in Tampa.
From the Bottom of my heart thank you for your consideration and for saying YES to these cats. It is only because of generous financial support that Big Cat Rescue continues to exist.
The cats and I thank you and wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season!
