<div>We are<strong> VARS -</strong> <strong>Volunteer</strong> <strong>Animal</strong> <strong>Retrieval</strong> <strong>Specialists</strong>, a Native-owned and woman-owned California nonprofit with a simple mission:
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<div>Any animal, from any tree, if they go up, so do we.
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<div>Every day, we respond to urgent calls to retrieve cats and other animals stuck in trees, on rooftops, or in places most people can’t reach. We do this <strong>at</strong> <strong>no charge</strong>, because every life matters and no one should have to choose between their pet’s safety and their wallet.
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<div>But while our climbers volunteer their time, keeping this nonprofit alive takes resources. Fuel, gear maintenance, insurance, phones, outreach, and safety equipment all add up. Without your support, we can’t keep showing up for the animals and families who need us most.
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<div><strong>Why We Need Your Help</strong>
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<div>We just received our official <strong>501(c)(3) tax-exempt status</strong>, which means your donation is now fully tax-deductible! However, we are still in our very first year, and right now, <strong>general operating support</strong> is what makes the difference between us answering that next call or not.
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<div>Your donation helps us:
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<div>Keep our phones and website active so families can reach us in emergencies.
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<div>Cover fuel costs to respond across California.
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<div>Replace ropes, harnesses, helmets, and other climbing gear that keep rescues safe.
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<div>Handle insurance, legal, and compliance costs required to operate as a nonprofit.
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<div>Support community outreach efforts like flyers, business cards, and awareness campaigns so more people know who to call when an animal is in trouble.
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<div><strong>Every Dollar Lifts Us Higher</strong>
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<div>When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re directly helping save animals’ lives and bringing peace of mind to their families.
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<div><strong>Any amount</strong> keeps our mission alive.
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<div>No gift is too small. Together, we can make sure no animal is left behind.
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<div><strong>Join Our Mission</strong>
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<div>We’ve proven that we can do the retrievals, now we need the community to help us keep climbing. Please donate, share this campaign, and follow our retrievals on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to see your support in action.
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<div>Thank you for helping us keep this unique and life-saving service alive.
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<div>The VARS Team
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<div>Volunteer Animal Retrieval Specialists
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<div>Any animal, from any tree, if they go up, so do we.
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<div>TikTok: @vars_ca
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<div>YouTube: @VARS_CA
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<div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerAnimalRetrievalSpecialists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerAnimalRetrievalSpecialists/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerAnimalRetrievalSpecialists/</a></a>
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Anonymous

Carole Lance-White

Alvena Maryam Safar

Kristine Severson

Michelle Walker

Mai Rabil

Stephenie Ferkel

Laura Murphy

Adriana Rosales

Karen Bernstein

Keegan Harris

Amy Bates

ROBERT J QUILICI

Heidi Gorenflo

Elaine Ivankovich

Help VARS Keep Retrieving Animals in Need

Help VARS Keep Retrieving Animals in Need

Still $1,110 to go. Help us build momentum.