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November 20, 2024
RewardX Fundraising is more than a platform allowing you to raise money for your favorite nonprofit by doing your daily shopping. We are working hard to help said nonprofits gain more supporters and attention for what they’re doing. One way we're going to achieve this is by conducting "get to know us" interviews with various organizations. As a (potential) supporter, these will allow you to discover some great causes that don’t get a lot of attention from national media etc. These nonprofits often work on a community level, and can always use extra funds to continue helping others.
Today, we are meeting Ansel Santosa from Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary, who was happy to answer some questions so we get to know more about this amazing nonprofit.
Where many nonprofits focus on people or the environment, Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary is committed to saving the lives of animals. That's why we've chosen to put them in the spotlight as the first feature in our new blog series, presenting nonprofits making a unique impact.
About the founders
Ansel Santosa is the Secretary Treasurer and one of the founders of Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary. 6 years ago, he founded the nonprofit with his wife. She focuses on physical infrastructure and maintenance. Ansel focusses on bookkeeping, fundraising, marketing, and administration. They both take care of the animals.
When I asked Ansel what kept him motivated in this work, his answer was very clear: “The animals! Every day we wake up and there are animals in need. There is nothing more motivating that saving a life and we are very fortunate that's something we get to do on a regular basis”
About the organization
“Ballydídean rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes farmed animals who are unwanted, neglected, or abused. Through tours and community education, we give people the chance to make friends with animals they typically only meet on their dinner plate, giving them an opportunity to rethink their relationship with farmed animals. My wife and I started this organization because we always felt strongly about animal rights and welfare, specifically those that are exploited by the food system and we wanted to make a difference both by saving lives and educating people.”
“We serve the acute suffering of unwanted, neglected, and abused farmed animals all over the Pacific Northwest by taking in strays, dumped animals, private surrenders, and referrals through law enforcement, humane societies, and other regional partners.”
They believe that exposure equals empathy, so by presenting them to you on this blog, we are hoping to help them get an important message across.
How RewardX Fundraising can help nonprofits like Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary
"Many of our supporters are looking for new ways to support us. RewardX Fundraising is one great way that people can support us by just doing their normal shopping.”
Small or local organizations often struggle to find supporters and funds, especially because they don’t have a lot of time or the means to work on communication and fundraising events. RewardX Fundraising allows anyone in the U.S.A. to raise funds for these nonprofits by doing their daily shopping.
Their fundraising goals
As a (potential) supporter, you might want to know more about how the donated money will be used. Ansel explained their current fundraising goals:
“We are currently trying to raise $20k to build a "heavy use area" for our rescued cows. It's a combination of drainage projects, gutters, fences, and specialized ground cover designed in partnership with the Island County Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.”
And here’s why they are working hard on this huge project:
“Constructing this area will preserve our historic barn, improve the health of the cows by keeping their hooves drier throughout the winter, and prevent any animal waste runoff from affecting the protected wetland near our property. Federal grants will reimburse much of the cost once the project is complete so not only will funding enable its construction but the money will get to be used again for animal care expenses like feed and veterinary care.”
The organization’s long-term goals
Like all organizations, Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary has important long-term goals, and they rely on funding to bring these visions to life. Their mission for the future drives their efforts today, aiming to create lasting change for animals in need.
“We are currently home to 130 rescued residents. We want to continue their care and also continue our foster and adoption efforts to maximize the number of lives we can save. We would like to expand our education programs to more preschools, elementary schools, and high schools as well as add summer camps to bring more kids to interact with and learn about the animals.”
Teaching the next generations about animal welfare might be one of the best ways to improve the way humans treat animals in the future. We hope the sanctuary will be able to attain their goals.
A few more questions…
Can you walk us through a few specific initiatives or projects that these funds will directly support?
Over the next year or two we are also looking to invest in a "pig lift" which would help us safely provide hoof trims and other medical care to pigs, sheep, and goats with less stress than other restraint methods.
Over the next year or two we are also looking to invest in a "pig lift" which would help us safely provide hoof trims and other medical care to pigs, sheep, and goats with less stress than other restraint methods.
Are there any upcoming events, campaigns, or programs that supporters can get involved in, besides raising money?
For local supporters, we have a volunteer work party on the 3rd Sunday of every month. They can get involved at https://ballydidean.farm/volunteer or sign up to take a farm tour at https://ballydidean.farm/visit
What's one thing you wish more people knew about your organization or the cause?
Visitors are often surprised to learn how much personality chickens, cows, goats, sheep, and other farmed animals have. "They're just like dogs!" is something we hear on almost every tour. It's so easy to imagine that animals you have never met are stupid, mean, or otherwise "deserving" of what humans do to them. But it's also so easy to see after just meeting one of those animals for a few minutes that they are kind, curious, trusting, and in every way deserving of the same empathy consistently afforded to cats, dogs, and horses.
Thank you Ansel for taking the time to tell us about Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary and using RewardX Fundraising!
Become a supporter for Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary
Making a difference for a nonprofit like Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary has never been easier. Sign up on our website and become a supporter to help Ansel and his wife take care of all these animals.
If you’re already a RewardX Fundraiser supporter, you can now change the nonprofit you’re supporting by logging in on our website. This allows you to help several organizations, one each month for example. It’s up to you how many you support and when.
Do you want your nonprofit to be featured on our blog?
Are you a dedicated volunteer or the owner of a nonprofit using RewardX Fundraising to make a difference? We'd love to hear your story! Reach out to us at editor@rxfundraising.com to be featured in our next blog and inspire others with your impact.
October 17, 2024
Teaching kids about helping others is one of the most important lessons we can pass on as parents. It allows them to grow up with a stronger sense of compassion, empathy, and responsibility. One simple way to teach this lesson is by incorporating it into your daily routines, like when you use RewardX Fundraising to earn money for a nonprofit while shopping at Rite Aid.
Through our platform, RewardX Fundraising, families can give back without spending any extra money. By signing up with RewardX Fundraising and linking your account with the Rite Aid loyalty program, 1.5% of the total amount of your purchases will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice. It's a wonderful way to support causes you care about while doing your everyday shopping. And the best part? You’re showing your kids how easy it can be to help others, even when money is tight.
Why should we teach children about being charitable?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that some people are struggling. But overall, children are very selfless. They want to help people and make them smile. That’s why it’s so important to start teaching them about charitable acts at a young age, when they don’t mind spending time on doing something good for others.
When we teach kids about the importance of helping others, it fosters a sense of community that is often lacking in today’s world. They learn that no matter how small their actions might seem, they can make a real difference in someone’s life. And the earlier we start instilling these values, the more likely they’ll carry them forward into adulthood.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that some people are struggling. But overall, children are very selfless. They want to help people and make them smile. That’s why it’s so important to start teaching them about charitable acts at a young age, when they don’t mind spending time on doing something good for others.
When we teach kids about the importance of helping others, it fosters a sense of community that is often lacking in today’s world. They learn that no matter how small their actions might seem, they can make a real difference in someone’s life. And the earlier we start instilling these values, the more likely they’ll carry them forward into adulthood.
How RewardX Fundraising makes teaching kids about charities and donations easy
Giving back doesn’t always mean donating money out of pocket. For many families, that may not be an option. With RewardX Fundraising, you can support your favorite nonprofit organization by shopping at Rite Aid. After signing up, every time you make a purchase, Rite Aid donates 1.5% of the total amount to the nonprofit of your choice via our platform. Whether it’s your child’s school, a local animal shelter, or a health-related cause, this simple act of shopping can make a big difference over time.
By including your kids in this process, they can see firsthand how small and everyday actions can have a positive impact on the community. It's an easy and meaningful way to reinforce the idea of giving back.
They will quickly understand that you don’t have to be rich or spend a lot of time in order to do something nice for others. Being charitable can be very easy and doesn’t have to be time consuming at all.
Other ways to teach kids about helping others
Of course, there are many ways you can teach your children to give back, regardless of their age. Here are a few ideas that are simple and impactful:
Of course, there are many ways you can teach your children to give back, regardless of their age. Here are a few ideas that are simple and impactful:
For younger children:
- Donate old toys: Encourage your kids to go through their old toys and select some that they no longer play with to donate to children in need. Explain how another child who doesn’t have as many toys will be so happy to have something new to play with.
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Simple acts of kindness: Younger kids can help in small ways, like holding the door for someone or bringing a fruit basket to a sick neighbor. These little acts build a foundation for understanding kindness.
For tweens:
- Volunteer together: Many communities have family-friendly volunteer opportunities. Look for local events like park clean-ups or community food drives that you and your child can participate in together.
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Help neighbors: If a neighbor has an injury or is elderly, ask your kids to help out with tasks like walking their dog or carrying their groceries. These small gestures make a big difference in someone’s day.
For teens:
- Organize a fundraiser: If your teen has a passion for a particular cause, encourage them to organize a fundraiser or donate their time to help. Whether it’s baking cookies for a bake sale or organizing a charity car wash, these experiences can be eye-opening and rewarding.
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Assist in shelters or food banks: Teenagers are often old enough to volunteer at local shelters or food banks. This hands-on experience shows them the direct impact they can have in the lives of others, while helping them understand broader social issues.
Getting involved together
Children learn best when something is fun or relatable. That’s why it’s a great idea to do something nice for others as a family. As your kids get older, they might invite their friends along to spend a day helping at a local food bank, or maybe they’ll teach their younger siblings about different ways to be helpful or charitable.
The best part about teaching kids to give back is that it’s something the whole family can do together. Whether it’s through programs like RewardX Fundraising, volunteering as a group, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor, there are countless opportunities to weave generosity into your family’s everyday life. You don’t need to have a lot of money or time to make a difference, all it takes is a little effort and the desire to help.
By adding a few of these charitable acts to your family’s routine, you’re creating a sense of community and empathy in your children that will last a lifetime. So before you head to Rite Aid for your next shopping trip, don’t forget to sign up with RewardX Fundraising and show your kids just how easy it is to make a positive impact.
October 04, 2024
Many people would like to donate money to charity or a nonprofit, but don’t have the financial means to do so. Others simply don’t have the time to figure out how to make a donation, or which cause to support with their hard-earned money.
Rewards Fundraising has the solution: a platform allowing you to support a cause of your choosing, without donating your own money. All you have to do is shop at Rite Aid. Let’s explain how it all works.
Our partnership with Rite Aid - Turning small purchases into meaningful donations
Sometimes, you just pick up a few essentials like ballpoint pens and a snack at Rite Aid, the next week you might stock up on diapers and various household items. The beauty of RewardX Fundraising is that every single purchase, no matter how small, makes a difference. Even if you just spend a dollar, a percentage will go to the organization of your choosing.
But you’re not the one paying for that donation. You won’t pay anything more than the total price of the items in your cart.
While 1.5% of a few dollars might not seem like a lot, those small amounts add up quickly when many people are involved. An organization can accumulate a meaningful donation over time thanks to all our supporters.
For example, several schools have raised a few hundred dollars through RewardX Fundraising, allowing them to purchase a new computer or sports equipment, or help out a student in need.By simply shopping at Rite Aid, you have the power to make a real difference in your community!
Also read this post:
Boost Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Efforts with RewardX Fundraising
While 1.5% of a few dollars might not seem like a lot, those small amounts add up quickly when many people are involved. An organization can accumulate a meaningful donation over time thanks to all our supporters.
For example, several schools have raised a few hundred dollars through RewardX Fundraising, allowing them to purchase a new computer or sports equipment, or help out a student in need.By simply shopping at Rite Aid, you have the power to make a real difference in your community!
Every cent counts
1.5% of your spending will be donated to the cause you've chosen. This might seem like a small amount, but there are a few things you shouldn’t forget:
- You don’t have to spend a single extra cent out of pocket.
- Many people donate to the same cause, so it adds up quickly!
- For many small organizations, a little money goes a long way. They know how to stretch a dollar and make it count.
- It’s all about the collective effort. If the entire PTA of your kid’s school becomes a supporter, you’ll be able to raise a lot of money for the school’s clubs for instance.
Spread the word and amplify your impact
If you want to create an even bigger impact, talk about RewardX Fundraising with your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone who will listen. And why not create a post on your social media profile? Spending a few minutes talking about our platform, and how easy it is to make a difference in your community, will motivate others to create an account and start raising money for a local cause.
Let’s join forces
We offer a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to raise money for a cause of your choosing. Now, let's join forces to spread the word and encourage as many people as possible to support nonprofits in their community.
FAQ
Where does the donated money come from?
RewardX Fundraising has an amazing partnership with Rite Aid. They donate 1.5% of the amount you spend to the cause of your choosing, via RewardX Fundraising. This means that you, as a supporter, don’t pay an extra cent out of pocket.