RICKIES PARROT RESCUE AND SANCTUARY OF SOUTH FLORIDA INC

Let me introduce myself, my name is Sarah Edwards and I am the founder of Rickies Parrot Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. (“RPR”), a 501(c)3 charitable organization (FED EIN 82-1640814). RPR was founded in 2017 and we are located, in the State of Florida. RPR takes in parrots and birds that many other rescues turn away. We specialize in the special needs, sick, neglected and abused. RPR welcomes these babies knowing that they generally come with large medical bills as well as physical and emotional damage. RPR provides medical care and works to gain the trust of these babies so that they can be placed into good, loving homes. We work hard to ensure that the perfect home is found for each one. Potential adopters are given the education and provided any history we have on each bird so that they go in with their eyes open, knowing fully what to expect. To date, none of our babies have been returned to us. Those that are deemed un-adoptable due to medical or temperment reasons remain with us for the rest of their lives.

Unfortunately, due to the economy our services are being needed now more than ever. Parrots are not cheap pets to maintain. Believe it or not, they are more expensive to feed than dogs or cats. And Exotic vets are far more expensive. Unfortunately, in the fundraising and charitable giving world, the spotlight remains on dog and cat rescues and there is very little out there about for parrot rescues. The abuse and neglect that these birds face is just as prevalent and just as bad as that of any other animal, and our needs are the same.

On 7/1/23 I was given 15 days to move my rescue because the owner wanted to sell the place to her ex. (I had gone month to month approx. a year before) Thankfully, prior to this, a supporter gifted me an acre lot. He also added fencing, electric and a well for us. But I was not given enough time to fundraise for the rescue. In short, the land was ready for us but not the rescues. We still needed aviaries and mini houses or sheds with electric and windows for the birds. Thankfully, due to our amazing supporters, we currently have 2 out of the 4 outbuildings needed. We also need solar generators for each building in order to provide air conditioning in the summer.

I am asking for your help. We are seeking corporate donations to complete the set-up for the rescues. Any donation, any amount is greatly appreciated.

This move gives the rescues a chance for better life, it allows us to continue to save the lives of special needs birds and it ensures that the rescues will have a place to call home for many many years to come. Eventually we will open the rescue up to the public…which will allow for events on the property and much needed education for the public. We believe if more education is available, and potential adopters go in with full knowledge about a particular species of bird, it will decrease the amount of animals that lose their homes because the owners weren’t aware of the amount of care required for that particular species. They also need to know that birds bite, they scream and they can be destructive…not the candy-coated sales pitch they receive in a pet store. Potential adopters need to receive this information PRIOR to bringing a bird into their homes. While special needs parrots make the most amazing pets…they are still parrots and they are still deemed wild animals.

We recently implemented 2 programs. One program for under privileged children who may not be able to afford a pet. They will be provided a tame starter bird, cage, food and toys. Their grades must be good in school and they must promise to keep their grades up and take care of their new pet. If their grades fall, parents will be given the option of returning the bird. If the family cannot afford seed, toys, etc. we will help provide these things for up to one year.

The second program is for veterans suffering from PTSD or other injuries. They will be given their choice of available birds at 50% off the normal adoption fee. They must provide documentation of their service in order to qualify. If they suffer from PTSD, a note from their physician stating that owning a bird would be beneficial to them rather than too stressful for them will be required. We do not want to set the bird or the veteran up for failure.

While these programs came into fruition several months ago, it was not until we acquired this property that we actually had the space to start them.

To learn more about us and to meet a few of our residents:

https://fb.watch/fbBNb0teGn

https://Facebook.com/rickiesparrotrescue

https://southfloridaparrotrescue.org

No donation is too big or too small. They all add up! Monetary donations can be submitted via

https://PayPal.me/rickiesrescue
Cashapp. $rickiesrescue
https://Venmo.com/rickiesrescue
Zelle: sarahparrotrescuer@gmail.com

Rickie’s Parrot Rescue
PO BOX 700522
Miami, FL 33170

If you would like to donate items for the raffles that would be great too!

Corporate sponsors donating $2500.00 or more will have a banner placed around the perimeter of the property as well as an acknowledgment on our social media and web pages.

I’ve never been the type of person to ask for help for myself and I would give the shirt off my back or my last meal to someone who needs it; however, when it comes to these rescues my pride goes out the window. I will do whatever I need to do in order to keep saving those rejected by other rescues or the owners they once trusted.

Thank you for your time!
Sarah Edwards
Founder and President