Part 4 - A Land of Misfits

 

We do not like to take chances and gamble on uncertainty, especially when the well-being of our animals depends on us winning. So we are not going to do that. We need a plan, because as our fellow Albertans know, summer does not last forever. In a few months we will have the harshness of winter upon us and we have a responsibility to our animals to provide the comforts they need to weather the storm.

 

FARRM needs a new home.

 

Before the fire, our goal for FARRM was to expand and move to a new property in five years. Unfortunately, fate has decided for us and we need to start efforts to make that happen now. Our dreams for FARRM are larger than life and we need a place that will allow us to grow. This fire has brought us down to our knees but we refuse to stay there. This fire has not broke our spirit, it will not be the last thing the world hears of FARRM. We have grown stronger as a community, and our vision for the future has become clearer than ever. 

 

We have taken steps to finally become a registered charity, so yes, we will be able to issue tax receipts, and apply for grants to assist us in helping make our dream for the sanctuary come true once the application is approved.

 

As a team we have also sat down and discussed extensively the operation of a new FARRM. One of our main considerations was whether or not to use funds raised to do a complete rebuild if our application for rezoning is approved. Then, we would technically be able to once again operate FARRM at our current location. But, in a few years FARRM would still need to relocate as the need to expand has been imminent for years already.

 

We find we are turning animals away daily because we are limited by space and size.

 

So we have made a decision, one that will see a more sustainable future as we grow to become a land for misfits that truly has no limits.

 

As a team we have decided we need to start fundraising efforts to rebuild from the very position the fire has left us; from nothing. To completely rebuild at our current location not only feels like it would be a missed opportunity, but would be beyond painful for all those who have memories here. We need a fresh start, the ability to move the humans and animals of FARRM away from the pain and trauma that is embedded in the memories of this property. There are triggers everywhere, and daily operations are filled with hurt. 

 

Our fundraising efforts will be extensive as we work towards relocating. Fundraising efforts will focus on purchasing bare land closer to Edmonton, and developing it to suit the specific needs for FARRM's new future.

 

At this time, we will not be going into details for FARRM's official plan, but will instead, in the next little while release more information with a breakdown of expected costs and a goal for fundraising. We want to make sure that the plan we present to our supporters is clear and transparent.

 

Thank you again to everyone for keeping us in your thoughts, sending messages of encouragement, and for as always believing in our dreams with us. We are confident that our dream for FARRM will be one that we can all find hope in.

 

Our message is one of hope.

We have a community that inspired it.

We won't let you down.

 

All our love,

 

From all of FARRM's misfits (humans included).

​