“Let the Games Begin”

Alaqua Animal Refuge announced today that it is participating in The Goat Games 2022, a friendly fundraising competition among 14 farm animal sanctuaries around the country to rally the support of animal lovers nationwide to raise awareness of their life-saving work and ignite social change to end farm animal exploitation.

Happening August 12-15, The Goat Games was created as a fun way for animal lovers to support the work of farm sanctuaries and the thousands of animals who call places like Alaqua home. The Goat Games is a “tell your friend,” peer-to-peer fundraising campaign powered by social media and supporters of participating sanctuaries.

While the goats don’t actually compete, human “athletes” can sign up to raise awareness and funds for the sanctuary team of their choice. Participants can join this nationwide, virtual event from anywhere in the U.S.

The Goat Games is sponsored nationally by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the only globally recognized organization for certifying that an animal refuge or sanctuary meets the highest standards of excellence of care during rescue, rehabilitation, and the rest of their life. Alaqua has been verified by GFAS and has been called “a prime example of what a sanctuary should be and an excellent role model combining compassion for the well-being of animals, fundraising techniques, and non-profit best management practices.”

“Covid did a number on us, as it did on nonprofits around the world,” said Kathy Stevens, Founder and Executive Director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary who came up with the idea for The Goat Games. “Funding plummeted overnight, while the urgent needs of hundreds of animals remained the same. Not only are sanctuaries ‘just digging out, in year three’ of the pandemic, but they’re doing it at a time when the cost of everyday supplies is through the roof. Grain cost is up. Hay cost is up. Medical supply costs are up. The cost of building materials is so high that many contractors suggest we not build anything. The need is more urgent than it’s ever been.” Each sanctuary participating in The Goat Games has selected a farm animal as their team captain, and “athletes” will rally behind the farm animal representing the sanctuary they want to support.

Alaqua chose their precious sanctuary goat Hermione as their captain. Affectionately called “Squish” by all that love her, Hermione was surrendered to Alaqua with facial deformities that were most likely a birth defect. She has the sweetest personality and mannerisms. Hermione is a staff, volunteer, and visitor favorite at Alaqua and is most deserving to be their 2022 Goat Games Team Captain. She loves dressing up, getting her picture made, being an Alaqua ambassador at our public events, and meeting new friends. “We were so excited to have been asked to participate in The Goat Games this year,” said Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood. “While we aren’t yet open to the public, we hope our community and friends of friends will rally together and join in this ‘virtual’ fun. And it’s easy. All you have to do is sign up as an athlete to help raise funds and be a champion for Captain Hermione and all of our sanctuary farm animals!” The participating sanctuaries in the 2022 Goat Games include: Catskill Animal Sanctuary – the hosting Sanctuary (Saugerties, NY) Alaqua Animal Refuge (Freeport, FL) Farm Sanctuary (Watkins Glen, NY & Acton, CA) Farmaste Animal Sanctuary (Lindstrom, MN) Heartwood Haven (Wauna, WA) Indraloka Animal Sanctuary (Dalton, PA) Iowa Farm Sanctuary (Oxford, IA) Kindred Spirits Sanctuary (Citra, FL) Little Bear Sanctuary (Punta Gorda, FL) Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge (Pittsboro, NC) River’s Wish Animal Sanctuary (Spokane, WA) Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue (Clinton, NJ) Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve (Newberg, OR) Yesahcan Sanctuary, Inc. (Arcadia, FL)

When 14 animal sanctuaries from across the nation band together to make a collective impact there’s nothing they can’t achieve. You’ve “goat to see it to believe it!” Funds raised through donations for Team Alaqua will directly support and impact their mission of providing shelter, safety, and second chances. For more information on The Goat Games 2022 including registering and/or making a donation, visit thegoatgames.org or www.bit.ly/Goat22

About Alaqua Animal Refuge Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. As the Southeast’s premier 501(c)3 refuge, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers an adoption center, veterinary clinic, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location. Since its inception in 2007, Alaqua, led by Founder Laurie Hood, has become a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy. Alaqua is currently in the midst of a relocation and expansion capital campaign to build a one-of-a-kind facility—the first in the United States—on 100 acres. The new facility and sanctuary will allow Alaqua to continue to do the important work of animal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as be an educational and training center for animal welfare advocates as a place that will inspire, empower, and educate others to make change in our society and recreate the model worldwide. To learn more, visit http://www.alaqua.org/

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Alaqua Animal Refuge Joins 13 Animals Sanctuaries Around the Country for the Third Annual Goat Games