About a month ago, we posted a plea for donations. It’s something we seriously dislike having to do, but when donations are down and expenses are up, there isn’t much choice.
Unfortunately, last month’s request for help yielded only $650 in new donations, and only 4 people who signed up as SAFE Sponsors.
As we head into the second half of 2011, we’re facing some serious problems ahead.
We bought 6 tons of hay last week at a cost of $320 per ton, which is an increase of almost $100 per ton from last year at this time. Our hay supplier informed us that prices may go even higher as the year goes on. Hay costs are skyrocketing, not only because of the rising cost of fuel, but also because wet spring weather delayed the hay harvest in Eastern Washington by over a month, which will drive supply down and demand up.
This newspaper article explains the rising price of hay in more detail: Capitol Press “Growers Fear Hay Collapse” June 30, 2011
We’ve looking into alternative sources of hay but other sellers are reporting the same high prices and shortages. Rising hay costs will have an effect not only on SAFE’s budget, but also on horse owners who are barely holding on as it is. Every day we are contacted by horse owners facing unemployment, foreclosure, or health problems who need our help. If we don’t have the funds available, we have to say no.
SAFE is operates on a budget of less than $80,000 per year. We work hard to make every penny count. But we need your help. If you would please consider making a gift to SAFE, we would truly appreciate it.
Donating to SAFE is easy — we accept Visa/Mastercard right on our website, as well as PayPal and donations by check. All the options for donating to SAFE are outlined on this page (click here).
