Community Corner

Rabbits Set to Overrun Chesterfield

The Missouri House Rabbit Society successful raised more than $30,000 this month toward the purchase of a permanent home in Chesterfield for a bunny-centric animal shelter.

Chesterfield may soon be overrun by cuteness.

The Missouri House Rabbit Society (MHRS) has  successfully raised more than $32,000 in a crowdfunded campaign toward the purchase of a permanent shelter and headquarters in Chesterfield.

The all-volunteer organization has been in St. Louis for 16 years and handles calls from more than 30 different animals shelters in Missouri and Illinois, according to president and Fenton resident Joy Gioia. She added that it’s the only rabbit rescue group in the area and the need is great.

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“Domestic rabbits, unfortunately, are the most abandoned pet in the U.S., yet most shelter either won’t accept them or have extremely limited room for them,” she said in an email to Patch.

Up to this point, the organization had been based solely on members providing foster care for rabbits, but Gioia said that is no longer effective or efficient. The new location will be a dream come true for Gioia and the 300-some rabbits MHRS cares, allowing them to continue their rescue work and expand community outreach events.

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The organization’s fundraising efforts have been impressive. The society raised the met and exceed their goal of $32,600 in a matter of weeks using Crowdtilt, an online crowdfunding site that allows contributors to pledge and then only processes their payment if the campaign’s goal is reached.

The funds will be added to $30,000 the organization already has saved to make a $65,000 downpayment on the property, according to the MHRS website. The 5,000 square foot building is located on four acres of land and has plenty of amenities that will make it a good fit for the rabbit-focused group.

The campaign may have reached its goal, but it doesn’t expire until the end of the month and your donation can make a difference.

As of Friday evening, they had brought in $33,211. Any funds raised above the $32,000 will go toward moving and equipment costs and help lower monthly payments, according to the Crowdtilt page

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