Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Laurie Hood
Although 30A gives away its famous round Gulf-blue decals for freeĀ in local businesses, donation boxes have been set-up in many locations to encourage contributions to Walton County’s premiere “no-kill” shelter. The 30A stickers are sponsored by Dune Allen Realty Vacation Rentals.
To-date, Alaqua Animal Refuge has helped find homes for more than 10,000 animals, with as many as 100 animals being adopted every month, and it’s home to as many as 250 animals at any given time. It costs $60,000 per month to run the refuge, which is dependent upon private donations.
āThe donation boxes have kept us very busy this summer,ā said Linda Draper, an Alaqua volunteer who manages the 30A sticker donation box program. āThe tourists and the locals have been very generous.ā
“With $35,000, we can provide food, medical care, and rehabilitation to the hundreds of animals that cross through our gates,” said Laurie Hood, Alaqua Animal Refuge’s president and founder. “Our no-kill shelter and adoption center is entirely dependent on donations, and every dollar generated through the program helps us save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals.”
30A.comās Mike Ragsdale said that over 740,000 30A stickers have been given away so far.
āWe were so proud to learn how much money has been raised,” said Ragsdale. “It’s a perfect partnership: Fans get a free memento of their time here on 30A, Alaqua Animal Refuge receives the donations, and thousands of animals are provided an opportunity to live happy and healthy lives.”
