Groupon Features Malibu-Based Nonprofit

In honor of World Turtle Day, Groupon Grassroots will help raise funds to build a vegetable garden to feed about 100 rescued turtles and tortoises with fresh produce.

Groupon Grassroots is featuring American Tortoise Rescue, which was founded in 1990 by Malibu residents and husband-and-wife-team and , starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 21 through May 27.

"Turtles and tortoises are disappearing throughout the world and biologists predict that within 50 years they will disappear entirely. This is really devastating considering that they have been around for more than 200 million years. Every time we can shine a spotlight on saving these ancient creatures it is part of saving the human race, too," Tellem said.

The nonprofit is seeking 45 donations of $10 to help raise funds for the garden. Click here to donate or learn more). 

"We are thrilled that Groupon Grassroots is joining with us to fund this project as feeding turtles and tortoises is a very expensive proposition since most grocery stores no longer contribute to the feeding of shelter animals,” Tellem said.

(May 23), now in its 12th year, was created to celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and disappearing habitats around the world. American Tortoise Rescue has found new homes for more than 3,000 turtles and tortoises over the last 22 years.

Donations will be matched up to $2,000 by the Malibu Country Mart, according to Thompson.

“Malibu Country Mart has been a supporter of our rescue giving us tons of pumpkins for the tortoises to eat at Halloween," Thompson said. "Now they have stepped forward to support us with matching funds for our sustainable garden because they also have a commitment to thoughtful green planning using no pesticides, no polluting gas powered trimming and mowing and plants only native plants. It is a perfect partner.” 

All donations go directly to the American Tortoise Rescue. Learn more on its website at tortoise.com.