Last year, we fundraised for the construction of our "Happily Hoovespital". A purpose built rehabilitation stable centre for rescue animals in critical need. It breaks my heart to tell you that this project has fallen through. The company we had contracted and paid, has folded and left unpaid salaries, unpaid suppliers, and many people -including us- carrying the consequences.
Most devastating of all, $23,000 of our hard-earned, compassion driven funds have been taken. Money raised with hope, generosity, and belief in giving animals the safety and care they deserve. We are absolutely devastated.
The stables we had paid for and contracted to be built
Help Us Build the Happily Hoovespital
Please know this:
We did our due diligence before confirming and paying. We personally inspected the products, and spoke to 4 previous customers about their experience with the company and products. Up until our order was paid, they were fantastic to deal with. Once our order was paid for and confirmed, things started to go downhill. After months of inconsistent communication, and missed installation deadlines we began to worry. Multiple visits to the warehouse were made, countless emails, phone calls, and text messages sent... we realised that this was not going to end in our favour. It has been 6 months of efforts to rectify this matter, but without communication we have now found the warehouse cleared out and the website taken down. All social media pages for the company have been removed, and no one is returning our contact efforts.
We are currently going through the appropriate government channels within the court system, seeking legal advice and exploring every possible avenue to recover the funds. Sadly, despite our best efforts there is no guarantee that we will see any reimbursement. You simply cannot pull blood from a stone.
Despite this challenging time our commitment to the animals has not wavered, they still need these stables, they still need us to complete this project. Sadly we are faced with a harsh reality...
We are left with a broken heart, an empty slab of concrete, and the need for this facility to be completed without the budget to do so.
What do we do now?
Despite this heartbreaking and dissapointing experience, we need to move forward, and we need your help to do so. This facility is necessary to provide the best possible care for our current animals and for new rescues who will come through our gates needing urgent medical care. Animals like Maple the sheep who recently underwent emergency surgery, needing a clean and safe space to recover.
Proper shelter is not a luxury - it is essential to their wellbeing and our ability to help animals in need.
Maple the sheep before and after surgery
We have a few options, but doing nothing is not one of them.
Option 1: We buy local secondhand materials to complete the build.
We have the foundation, and we have kind local business' and individuals who have offered us the materials at discounted rates to help us finish the job. We have also been offered free labour from a few kind individuals who can help us make this facility a reality. The materials to make this happen will cost $15,000 at the discounted rates we are being given.
Option 2: We buy a prefabricated stable building, similar to what we had originally purchased.
This option would be ideal. It would be simpler and faster to complete. This option would cost roughly $20,000-$25,000 depending on the company we went with and if they were willing to provide discounts given the situation.
Either option will ensure long term rehabilitation and urgent care facilities for animals in need. The Happily Hoovespital will allow us to continue our life saving work, and provide the highest quality of care.
Every donation over $2 is tax deductible.
You know that Happily Heifer After is one of Australia’s legitimate animal rescue organisations, supported by dedicated and experienced professionals providing advice on strategy, good governance, and finance. Despite this incredibly unlucky turn of events, we are taking measures to ensure fraudulent deals never happen again.
Thank you!
Thank you for reading and for your support. As a community we have made miracles happen in the past, and we know we can do it again with your help!
With Kindness and Gratitude ,
Michelle
Founder and Sanctuary Manager
Happily Heifer After
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