Ten or 15 years ago, I had the unpleasant experience of discovering that a charitable organization I’d been loyally supporting was caught spending donated funds on luxury yachts and other extravagances for the private use of those in charge.Since then, I’ve been more cautious in my charitable giving, which is why I’m so enthusiastic about Front Range Equine Rescue (FRER). The woman who runs it, Hilary Wood, has no office and no paid staff. She has no art department putting together slick, beautiful magazines and mailings to promote her cause. What she does have is a deep love for horses and a passionate desire to protect them from harm. Those two motives have been enough to build a remarkably effective group of volunteers dedicated to saving starving, neglected or abuses horses in the Colorado Springs area. It’s appalling to think there are enough horses around here fitting that description, but unfortunately there are.The great thing about FRER is that I don’t have to wonder where my money is going. I make my donations by calling Farmer Jim’s Feed at 719-495-4449 and using my credit card to buy horse feed for the organization’s use. Alternatively, donations can be made to Equi-Line, which used to be Vetline, at 495-8906, if you’d rather finance some much-needed veterinary care for the horses. As an FRER supporter, you’ll receive periodic updates on the individual horses, including photos that are sometimes heartbreaking. You’ll also learn how Hilary is combating the root causes of horse abuse. But best of all, you’ll feel confident that your money is being put to good use. For more information about the organization, e-mail them at info@FrontRangeEquineRescue.org or leave a voice mail at 719-495-6389.Peggy BeasleyHillside, Co.
