The Big Binky Build:

Seven days to build a safer home for the animals who need one.

When a rabbit feels truly safe, they do something wonderful. They leap into the air, twist, and land in a happy little heap. It's called a binky, and it's the closest thing we have to proof that an animal knows they're home.

For 31 years, Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary has worked to give animals that feeling. It takes more than good intentions. It takes buildings that hold up, fences that keep everyone where they belong, and stairs our team can trust.

Right now, we need all three.

Over seven days, we're raising funds for one shared purpose: keeping this place safe for the animals who live here. Every gift goes into a single fund, and as it grows, we take care of what our animals need most, one thing at a time.

$3,000: Repairs to the ceiling of our Binkyville building, to keep the animals inside dry, warm, and secure.
$5,500: A rebuilt basement staircase, which allows necessary access for staff to the house’s electrical, heating, and drainage systems that provide a stable and safe environment for residents and staff.
$10,000: A rebuilt pig fence, so our pigs stay exactly where they belong: safe, muddy, and blissfully unaware that there's a world beyond the safe haven they know and love.

This week, your gift goes even further. A generous donor has offered to match the first $5,000 in donations to The Big Binky Build, so your $10 becomes $20, your $50 becomes $100, and so on. The match continues until the funds are exhausted, which means giving early is the surest way to double what you make possible.

The animals want to thank you themselves!

As the fund grows, our residents have some things to say. Ms. Brioche, our continental giant, has prepared remarks. The pigs and goats have opinions. You'll meet Velma and Elle, two house rabbits with significant health challenges, and see the quiet daily care that keeps them comfortable. You'll go live with Bean, who arrived scared and is now the most spoiled boy in Michigan. And for our grand finale, our animal care manager will walk you through the entire property, sharing intake stories and personality quirks, so you can meet everyone your kindness protects.

Already unlocked, thanks to you:

💙 Click here-> Ms. Brioche's thank-you (unlocked at $2,000)

💙 Click here-> Velma & Elle's care video (unlocked at $5,000)

💙 Click here-> Goat thank-you (unlocked at $8,000)

Our next goal:

💙 Pig thank-you video (unlocked at $11,000)

The animals here will never know what a fundraising goal is. They'll just know the food keeps coming, the humans are kind, and they're safe enough to binky.

That's what you're building. Thank you for being part of it.

Gratefully,

💙 Your Friends at Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary 💙

Interested in getting more involved? Contact us at info@rabbitsanctuary.org and we would love to chat.

A note about donation processing: Givebutter will prompt donors to cover processing fees, and also to give Givebutter an optional tip. You do not need to pay anything beyond whatever meaningful gift you are making!

To remove processing fees, click "change," then unclick "I want to cover fees." Next, click the down arrow next to the tip box, click "other," then type $0.00.

We realize this is an extra step for our donors, but including these items in our process helps us keep costs to a minimum. Thank you for your understanding!

Since 1995 Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary (GLRS) has provided a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and neglected rabbits and other animals. We rescue rabbits from across Michigan and, when able, from other parts of the United States as well. Upon their arrival at GLRS, the rabbits are given medical care if needed and are spayed or neutered, after which they are ready to meet their potential adopters! GLRS is a no-kill facility. Those rabbits who are not eligible for adoption, either due to health or temperament, along with our pig, goat and cat residents, live out their lives peacefully at the sanctuary.

In addition to providing a safe and loving environment, GLRS also strives to educate the public about domestic rabbits, including rabbit care and behavior. Just as with cats and dogs, a rabbit may not be the best furry companion for a family. Our hope is that our educational efforts will mean fewer rabbits needing our help in the future.