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When the power goes out at SASHA Farm, everything stops.

Water stops flowing, and the well pump shuts down
Medical storage and barns fall dark.
Heat shuts off during dangerous winter temperatures.
Refrigerated medications become unsafe, and the produce begins to spoil.

For the nearly 200 animal residents, who depend on us for safety and care, even a short outage can become an emergency.

As Michigan weather grows more severe and unpredictable, SASHA Farm must be prepared. This campaign funds one of the most important safety upgrades in our sanctuary’s history: a complete electrical overhaul and installation of a whole-property automatic standby generator.

This project will:
• Bring the entire sanctuary onto one safe, modern electrical system
• Replace aging panels and outdated wiring
• Install an automatic generator that restores full power the moment an outage occurs
• Keep water flowing and heat running.
• Protect refrigerated medications and critical supplies
• Ensure uninterrupted care for every resident during storms and outages

This investment directly protects lives.

Cost Breakdown

Generator System

• Standby generator (whole-sanctuary): $25,000 – $40,000
• Automatic transfer switch: $3,000 – $6,000
• Concrete pad and installation: $10,000 – $18,000
• Fuel line trenching and hookups: $3,000 – $7,000

Generator Total: $41,000 – $71,000

Electrical Overhaul

• Consolidating two meters into one modern system
• Upgrading panels and subpanels across barns
• Running new underground conduit
• Replacing outdated wiring
• Bringing all buildings up to code

Electrical Total: $35,000 – $55,000

Total Estimated Cost: $80,000 – $120,000

This range reflects real costs for a multi-building agricultural sanctuary and ensures nothing is left unfinished or unsafe.

GiveButter Will Match 1% of Every Donation on Giving Tuesday

Every gift through this campaign goes even further. GiveButter will automatically donate an additional 1% of every contribution, helping us reach this life-saving goal faster.

Your Impact

This investment ensures continual access to water, warmth, lighting, and medical safety, even in the harshest storms. Your donation makes that possible for the nearly 200 rescued animals who depend on SASHA Farm for their survival.

Help us protect our animal residents who look to us for safety and care every day.

Thank you for standing with SASHA Farm!

FAQ

Why does SASHA Farm need a generator and electrical overhaul?

When the power goes out, our nearly 200 animal residents immediately lose access to water, heat, lighting, and safe storage for refrigerated medications. Even a short outage can turn into an emergency. Our electrical system also spans multiple barns and buildings, making consolidation and modernization essential for safety.

How will this project protect the animals?

A whole-property automatic generator will restore power instantly during an outage. This ensures:
• Water continues to flow
• Heat and heat lamps stay on in winter
• Barns stay lit
• Refrigerated medications remain safe
• Staff can continue essential care without interruption

This upgrade directly safeguards the lives of our residents.

What is the total cost of the project?

The combined electrical overhaul and generator installation is estimated to cost $80,000 – $120,000. This range reflects the size of the sanctuary, multiple buildings, extensive trenching, panel upgrades, and the cost of a whole-property generator system.

How will my donation be used?

Every contribution supports the electrical and generator upgrades that keep SASHA’s residents safe during storms and outages. Your gift funds wiring improvements, panel upgrades, underground conduit, installation work, and the generator unit itself.

What size generator does SASHA need?

The sanctuary requires a large-capacity automatic standby generator capable of powering the entire property, including barns, the well pump, heating systems, medical spaces, and refrigeration. Smaller home generators are not sufficient for agricultural or multi-building properties.

Why can’t SASHA rely on portable generators?

Portable generators cannot power the well pump or multiple barns and would not activate automatically during a storm or overnight outage. They also pose fuel, safety, and reliability challenges. A permanent standby generator is the only safe and reliable solution.

Why are electrical upgrades needed in addition to the generator?

Much of the sanctuary’s infrastructure is aging, spread across multiple meters, and not equipped to handle the load of a whole-property generator. Upgrading panels, wiring, and conduit ensures the system is safe, modern, and capable of supporting uninterrupted power.

Will GiveButter match my donation?

Yes. GiveButter will donate an additional 1% of every contribution made through this campaign, helping your gift go even further.

Can I set up a recurring monthly donation?

Absolutely. Monthly gifts provide reliable support and help us plan long-term improvements that protect our residents year-round. Even small recurring contributions make a significant difference.

Can my company or employer sponsor part of the project?

Yes. Corporate sponsorships, matching gifts, and workplace giving programs are all welcome. To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact: sherry@sashafarm.org.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations through GiveButter are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What happens if we raise more than the goal?

Any additional funds will be used to strengthen other critical infrastructure that supports water access, heating, safety, and daily animal care. Our priority is always protecting the well-being of our residents.

Giving Tuesday - Powering SASHA Farm in Every Storm