May sanctuary update

Art for the Animals Auction in July
This annual event will be held online again for 2021...
​Our annual auction is our largest fundraiser and source of income for our organization. We're hopeful you'll share this event with your friends and family far and wide.

With COVID protocols still in place, we made the decision to hold this event online, while also beginning to hold small, in-person events at the sanctuary. And while the animals will miss seeing you, and you'll miss seeing them, please know that they, along with our dedicated volunteers, appreciate your support so much. 

Do you have something to donate?
Right now we're busy collecting donations for the event. We would love to be able to offer a donation from you or someone you know. You can learn more about the kind of items we are looking for by following the link below. We welcome vegan/animal friendly products and services.
Making a donation is easy—simply click the link below and complete the online form. Then you'll mail an image of the item to our Auction Coordinator. (This year, we are asking donators to ship items directly to winning bidders if possible). Thank you so much for your consideration.

Soon enough it will be time to register for the event! Last year we had hundreds of donated items that appealed to a wide range of bidders. We're looking forward to "seeing" you there.

Donate to the Auction

---

Thinking Vegan? Ditch the Eggs!​
A few weeks ago, we introduced readers to Wendell, one of the several handsome roosters who call River’s Wish home. You may have read his interview, where he explained how male chicks in the egg industry are killed upon birth. And the females don’t have a pretty fate either in the cramped conditions of factory farms. Perhaps Wendell has inspired you to think about exploring cruelty-free alternatives to eggs. Awesome! 

Did you know that many egg alternatives exist? They range from pantry staples to vegan specialty products. Here are a few to try:
​
For scrambles: Tofu has long been used to create protein-rich vegan egg dishes. Recipes for tofu scrambles are readily available online, but it’s not hard to improvise. Create your own scramble with a block of firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed), veggies you have on hand like peppers, mushrooms, or leafy greens, and spices like onion and garlic powder. 

Also when scrambling, nutritional yeast or turmeric can be added to achieve that familiar yellow color, and kala namak (black salt) is a trick for imparting a seriously eggy flavor. For another fun option, try a ready-to-make vegan egg replacement like Just Egg. This product is a new favorite among several River’s Wish volunteers. It scrambles up just like an egg and can also be used in baking and to make breakfast staples like pancakes and French toast.

For baking: Think you need eggs to bind your baked goods like cakes, quick breads and cookies? Think again! A plethora of alternatives are available. Try experimenting with banana (1/4 cup mashed for one egg), flaxseed meal (make a “flax egg” by mixing 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water), applesauce (1/4 cup), or baking soda and vinegar (1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda)!

For egg whites: Around 2015, “aquafaba” (bean water) became a vegan buzzword when it was discovered that the foamy brine from cooked beans, typically chickpeas, can be whipped up like egg whites. Aquafaba can be used to make everything from meringues, macarons, and whipped cream to baked goods, cocktails, and mayonnaise. Next time you cook chickpeas or open a can, reserve the liquid and hop online to find a recipe that piques your curiosity!
​​

---

​Watch for in-person events at River's Wish
As the weather improves, and COVID-19 phases for Washington State open up opportunity for more in-person activities, we're busy planning for ways to create small events focused around our mission statement. You can keep up to date with our public visitation events on our Facebook events calendar. 
​Just a few events in the works:

• Art and Animals Workshops with Spokane Art School
• Spokane Public Schools Express Programs visits
• Donor Celebration Event
• Public small group tours

River's Wish Events

---

An update on Little Diego
You may remember Diego from earlier this year. He came to River's Wish in pretty bad shape, with pneumonia, and what turned out to be a urinary blockage that required surgery. He'd apparently been living in a car with his person, eating dog food, which isn't healthy for goats. He was pretty sick and malnourished. 

We're happy to report that Diego is doing AWESOME now, feeling so much better, living his best little goat life, surrounded by all the friends he's made. We are so appreciative of all the support and well wishes we received for Diego! 

When he first arrived, we were told he was about 2 years old, but soon found out he was more like 8+ years. Because our sanctuary has been in existence for more than 25 years, many of our residents are older, requiring a higher level of care and support. That's why your ongoing support means so much to us. We appreciate all you do for us, and could not do it without you.

We love little Diego so much and are so happy he can live out his life safe and well cared for. He is a little love and has a special spirit. 

sponsor Diego or one of his friends

---

Visit the Sanctuary Store!
From hats and t-shirts, to original prints of Executive Director Kit Jagoda's art work, the Sanctuary Store is a great place to shop for the animal lovers in your life. Be sure to check out our new baseball tees! 

• Hoodies & t-shirts
• Trucker hats & caps
• Animal sponsorships
• Special occasion donation certificates
• In memoriam certificates
• Water Bottles

Your donations go a long way to helping us care for our 141+ residents. 

shop the store