10/10/2026
Just adding to my earlier post about the same thing… I’d drafted a longer, more detailed version. If you have the time, feel free to read :))
The longer version of the earlier post, thats why it’s repetitive in parts.
I have an important question that I’ve been struggling with for some time now, & my wise husband suggested that I just make a post to ask our followers (of Open Wings Parrot Sanctuary)
The dilemma: when we receive a donation, of gifts from our Amazon wish list, or any monetary gift, or even some gift of time/volunteering spent here, visiting our beloved feather family… do you think we should name our generous gifters & their gift, OR should we keep their anonymity/privacy?
We are a registered nonprofit, so tax receipts can be made, (*& I also very much appreciate everyone’s patience with me on the technology side; replying to messages, emails, etc… it’s a big job, & organizational skills are not my strong point!!)
All we do here comes out of pocket, & so any & all donations, no matter the size is SO very appreciated, & we are extremely grateful! It costs about $25,000+/mnth to keep the care of our flock tip top, with fresh food, pellets, toys, nontoxic cleaning products, air filters, heating & cooling regulation, any cage or building maintenance/repairs, & paying our small team of staff…
We’ve got multiple birds who are going to need meds & ongoing vet care for the remainder of their lives, so that’s a considerable expense also.
Anyway, it’s a priority to keep the birds as healthy, happy, enriched, entertained/busy, connected, not lonely or bored or stressed… Basically, there is a TON of moving parts to this whole endeavour that began officially just 3yrs ago..
(I’d had birds for longer… since about 2012/13… then more came… lol)
Many loved & well cared for, but needed re-homing due to their owners various situations; deaths or illness in families who then needed forever home for their birds, then some who have behavioural issues, where keeping them would have been overwhelming for their former homes.. & often I’ve done what I could, to help them keep their birds, (occasionally successful, but often the decision was made..) …& then of course some also were outright rescues..
I digress… lol
Back to the original question though, do I make donations public, or do I keep them private & thank with a pm or a general post, without saying names etc?
This may sound expensive but our remote location and lack of a pool for volunteers makes unpaid help very inconsistent and unreliable but always appreciatred Our location isn’t our birds issues or anyone else, but we are trying to be transparent with what a sanctuary of this size goes through monthly just to operate, before vets, meds and supplements to keep up with the care we’re trying to sustain for these beauties.
We don’t breed, sell or often find homes for our flock. These are mostly permanent family members, here for the remainder of their lives. On occasion we have had a small # who have been adopted out, but its on a very individual basis, & only when its the best interest for the bird, & its an obvious ‘match’, when the bird chooses someone other than one of us.. but it isn’t the norm. We are a full house, bcz they all need the 1:1 time, love, interaction etc.. so we cant spread ourselves over our abilities to provide.
A trust set aside that will care for them indefinitely by our family when we ourselves pass away. I added that, bcz im asked that a lot too🙂
Whew…. anyone who makes it to the end of this, thank you lol
& thank you again, everyone, for your support and interest; caring for our flock however that looks…with comments, likes, etc, any support at all🥹💞🦜
Pics for tax!
3 of our dear seniors-Lara is 73yrs+ ish, Buzz is 64yrs+, Aquila is in his 40’s+ (followed by Cesar who is 43, then Dahlia in her 30’s.. & more lol)
