Groupon Grassroots Features Malibu Nonprofit for Second Time

To give an end of the year boost to Malibu-based American Tortoise Rescue, Groupon Grassroots will help raise funds to plant an orchard to feed box turtles and South American tortoises.

Groupon Grassroots is featuring American Tortoise Resuce, which was founded in 1990 by Malibu residents and husband-and-wife-team Marshall Thompson and Susan Tellem, starting Christmas Day through Jan. 9. (Click here to donate or learn more.)

Some 260 had donated as of early Sunday morning.

“Though turtles and tortoises have survived in the wild for more than 200 million years, their numbers are dwindling due to the exotic-food industry, habitat destruction and the pet trade,” Tellem said.

The fundraiser encourages people to donate $10 so American Tortoise Rescue can plant three 7- to 9-year-old fruit trees to help feed box turtles and South American tortoises, Tellem said. Each additional $200 raised will fund an additional fruit tree to expand the orchard. 

Any funds raised past $1,000 will go toward the Rosie Fund and toward purchasing a 2,000-gallon vertical plastic storage tank that will help the rescue maintain a clean-water supply during emergencies and droughts.

“When these animals are injured or abandoned, they can have a difficult time finding adoptive families because they lack the immediate appeal of a furry companion animal," Tellem said. "Financial constraints also impact the care for turtles and tortoises due to their need for fresh fruits, vegetables, hay and special worms.”

All donations are tax deductible. Tellem said she is looking for a Malibu business to match funds.

The fundraiser follows a similar campaign by Groupon Grassroots earlier this year. American Tortoise Rescue to feed about 100 rescued turtles and tortoises with fresh produce.

Learn more about American Tortoise Rescue at www.tortoise.com and about the fundraiser at http://www.groupon.com/deals/american-tortoise-rescue.