Each year we make a charitable donation to the reptile rescue/rehabilitation organization of our choosing. Monies are collected from customer and staff donations, and a portion of annual retail store sales are donated as well. Whenever possible, we make an on-site visit to each prospective recipient to evaluate how needed our donation is and how it will be utilized.
Our 2005 recipient, the Cozumel Marine Turtle Salvation Project in Cozumel, Mexico (www.cozumelinsider.com/Turtles) received our donation of $781.90 in requested supplies.
Our 2006 recipient, The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida (www.turtlehospital.org) received our donation of $884.08.
Our 2007 recipient, the International Reptile Conservation Foundation which is headquartered in San Jose, California (www.ircf.org) received our donation of $893.55.
In support of 2008 being named the "Year of the Frog", our 2008 recipient will be The Amphibian Ark (www.amphibianark.org). This year we will also be making an additional donation of $500 to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital here in Portland, Oregon.
If you know of an organization that you believe is worthy of our donations, feel free to send their info our way. We are always on the hunt for future recipients.
Insets: Photos of Shawn, Connor and Tim Criswell from their trip to the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel in 2004.
Background: A black iguana, photographed on the island of Cozumel.
Copyright © 2006 by Tim Criswell. All rights reserved for all photos and text.