Aloha Animal Sanctuary was formed in 2019 by four animal rights activists “to provide sanctuary for neglected, abused, and/or abandoned animals, and to promote compassion toward these animals through public engagement and education,” its mission states.
Today, the organization is run by more than 100 volunteers who help take care of over 40 animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, a turkey and cat — all affectionately called “residents.” It costs roughly $7,000 per month to operate the sanctuary, including food, habitat care and other reoccurring expenses, Executive Director Kristie LaRose told Aloha State Daily.
“When unexpected vet bills come in, it goes up quite a bit and is hard to plan for,” said LaRose, who volunteered with the sanctuary for two years before assuming her role in March.
She added, “I inherited the financial mess, but we’ve been doing well, and our six-month prudent reserve is in a good spot.”
In April, Aloha Animal Sanctuary was “in danger of closing its gates forever” and took to GoFundMe to solicit $50,000 in donations. As of Monday, the fundraiser was nearly at 80% to goal. In a July 21 update, the sanctuary had just hosted a concert at Café Kopi in in Kailua where local musician Tavana performed.
“The venue provided delicious vegan food for people to enjoy. It was a magical evening, and we are hoping to host another one in November," the GoFundMe update read. “We are humbled by the outpouring of people wanting to help in any way. We have received quite a bit of interest from people wanting to become volunteers with us. We are run 100% by volunteers and have no paid staff, so we are always looking for new volunteers.”
Also of note, the sanctuary has been awarded two small grants totaling $3,000 and “has been researching and applying for grants, as well as exploring other ways to raise money,” LaRose said.
She noted that partnerships with local businesses have also been key.
Down to Earth provides "produce that is past the sell by date but still good" for feedings three times a week, she said. Drip Studio HNL and Shane Pope Insurance Services recently raised $1,300 for the sanctuary.
Each animal has a unique story of how it ended up at the sanctuary, she said, and many have special needs. Goober the rooster, for example, follows a specific diet and is more inclined to eat if a volunteer sits with him in his habitat.
ASD asked LaRose what she enjoys most about serving with the Aloha Animal Sanctuary, what it needs most currently and best ways to support, among other questions.
What initially drew you to the organization? I was looking for a place I could volunteer with animals that needed help. I am a big old softie and was nervous that if I volunteered at a dog or cat shelter, I would adopt 20 dogs. I found Aloha Animal Sanctuary and was like, ‘yeah I can't adopt five goats, pigs or roosters.’ They were needing help with recruiting new volunteers. I have many years of experience in this area and love it, so I applied. It felt like a perfect fit for me from the start.
What is the organization in need of most right now? Volunteers and donations! We are always in need of those two. On the volunteer part, we need ones that can volunteer weekly for a few hours and also some key leadership roles. We need help with accounting, fundraising and tour guides. After getting through the tsunami warning last week and evacuating as many residents as we could, we realize we need more animal carriers.
What are your plans for growth? We would like to take care of some deferred maintenance on our resident habitats and work trade facilities. Also, we would like to raise funds to purchase a van to help us transport our residents easier. Right now, if an emergency happened it would be really hard to move our pigs, sheep and goats.
What is your favorite part about this work? I always leave there in a better place mentally, physically and spiritually than when I arrived. All of my cups get filled by the service I provide to the sanctuary. I love each of the residents and volunteers. I have made some amazing friendships there. I find giving to those who have come from situations involving abandonment, abuse and/or neglect so meaningful and healing. I am truly honored to get to be part of the sanctuary. We call it a sanctuary for us humans, as well as our residents.
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CONTACT
Aloha Animal Sanctuary
Kristie LaRose, executive director
Location: Kahaluʻu, Kāneʻohe
Email: info@alohasanctuary.org
For rescue/rehoming requests: rescue@alohasanctuary.org
Website: alohasanctuary.org
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
