Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Once again Rainbows Edge, an area rescue group for all animals Ag-related, was called upon to help with the retrieval of a donkey and a few horses from a backyard farm in Jefferson County.
The owners could no longer care properly for the animals, so they turned them over to the Jefferson County group. The group of volunteers were accompanied by the County Animal Control, County Sheriff's Office, the Paul family children, Hope Equine Rescue will take the donkey after the animals make a visit to the vet.
Anyone wanting to help with the medical expenses of these animals can make donations directly to Thomasville Animal Hospital.
Other agencies working with Rainbows Edge include Emergency Management and its CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), County AG, The Human Society Of The United States and Group 17 (a Florida Disaster Relief Group.)
Rainbows Edge is a 501(c3) organization made up of five farms stationed in different locations around the county; fostering and caring for anything equine. President and Director Roxanne Spear shares that the group is working diligently at getting a place of its own through donation and grants.
The property will be in the name of Rainbows Edge and not in the name of any one person, so that it can be passed on through generations. It can never be sold because it will belong to the 501(c3) organization.
In Jefferson County, horse rescue has been done the same way for the past 100 years, in someone's back yard. That's why the groups come and go, as people get older or sick and can no longer keep up the daily duties of a horse rescue.
The organizers of Rainbows Edge feel it's time to make a change. It takes years of hard work to grow a rescue and gain the trust of the community. To that end, the plan for Rainbows Edge is to stay viable forever and to gain the education we all acquire to keep it a functioning and well-run operation.
“The humanity of rescue happens not because law enforcement wants it to, or because a board sets up a not for profit,” adds Spear. “It happens because the community wants it and gets behind the efforts of those blazing the trail. Jefferson County is one of the most humane counties and its communities of willing and capable people have helped and worked at developing Rainbows Edge and all we do.”
At this time, Rainbows Edge has pledges of $21,000 as it continues its fundraising efforts. These funds are for the building fund and to purchase a property that will stand for generations. Fundraising began in early August 2020 and will continue.
“When we get something more positive (land option), and when the coronavirus pandemic settles down, we will schedule a get-together and grand opening,” concludes Spears.
To make a donation, or to volunteer, Spears may be reached at rockybobbie1961@gmail.com or call (850) 878-8441.
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