Iowa Farm Sanctuary donation campaign seeks to raise $50,000

Iowa Farm Sanctuary, an animal rescue and rehabilitation nonprofit in rural Johnson County, is campaigning to raise $50,000 after a long-time local supporter pledged to match donations up to that amount. The nonprofit, located at 1696 250th St NW in Oxford, seeks to install solar panels and construct a bathroom facility for visitors and volunteers, who currently utilize a porta-potty on site. The solar panels will save thousands of dollars in electricity, which can soar to $2,000 per month during the winter season, said Katie Valentine, Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s assistant director of operations, and that money can be redirected to providing care, food, and shelter for the animals, all of which are considered "food" and come from agricultural settings.

“Some of our residents have super specific individual care needs,” said Ms. Valentine. “There's a lot of expense that goes into caring for them, for sure.” The panels will also help the Sanctuary’s efforts in practicing sustainability, and the goal is to install 100 solar panels on the barn roof. In addition to the installation of solar panels, Iowa Farm Sanctuary will also construct a bathroom addition off of the gift shop. “A bathroom at the farm will not only make for a more welcoming and comfortable environment for all who set foot at Iowa Farm Sanctuary, but also serve as a symbol of our appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and supporters. Let's show them that they are valued and cared for, just like the animals they tirelessly advocate for,” said co-founder and executive director Shawn Camp, in a Facebook post on March 1.

Approximately 30 volunteers a month donate their time to Iowa Farm Sanctuary, said Ms. Valentine, which typically sees 2-4 a weekday and up to 15 on the weekend, in addition to 250 visitors a month during operating seasons. One porta-potty “is pretty simple for a farm, but not ideal with three, probably 30 volunteers each month coming in and out, and staff and visitors,” said Ms. Valentine. The fundraiser, which started March 1, has raised $6,500 so far and lasts until the end of the month, but the benefactor is willing to extend the deadline, said Ms. Valentine. “We'll take all the support we can get, and we really appreciate our community coming together to support us in this effort,” she said. Iowa Farm Sanctuary’s previous fundraiser was in 2022 for a medical wing, which serves as an on-site base for the local veterinarian. The Sanctuary was able to successfully raise $30,000 for the project. Currently, Iowa Farm Sanctuary shelters 150 animals.