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When a charity uses out-of-the-box thinking to fulfill their mission, they leave a memorable impression. Check out this list of weird charities that take an uncommon approach to giving back.
Weird Charities
1. The Critter Connection
In a world where dogs and cats are known as pet royalty, other pets like guinea pigs are often left to fend for themselves. The Critter Connection started in 2004 to make sure that no guinea pig gets left behind. The rescue and rehabilitation center takes in neglected or abandoned guinea pigs. When necessary, they help nurse them back to health and then find them loving homes. To this day they’ve helped saved over 1,500 guinea pigs.
2. Helping Hands Monkey Helpers
Similar to dogs, monkeys are known to make great service animals. Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled, Inc. has been training monkeys to help adults with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments since 1979. These animals help people lead independent lives with a new purpose, caring for their service animal. This charity takes care of all the monkey’s training, nutritional, and medical needs for their entire life.
3. Gunnar’s Wheels
When his dog Gunnar became paraplegic after a car accident, Jason knew he’d do anything for his beloved pup. Once a wheelchair cart helped Gunnar get around again, Jason decided to pay it forward. With his fundraiser, he was able to raise more than $100,000 to help other dogs get wheelchairs carts, and he started a nonprofit.
4. Tall Clubs International Foundation
This organization focuses on promoting causes that benefit the special needs of exceptionally tall people. They aim to help take kids to greater heights by providing scholarships for young men and women of a certain height. If you meet their height requirement and are under 21 years old, you can apply for one of their many scholarships as you enter your first year of college.
5. American National CattleWomen Inc.
In 1952 this nonprofit set out to mobilize cattlewomen to have a united national voice in the beef and related agribusiness. Since then, they’ve used their voice to make a positive impact on cattle producers, consumers, and politicians. They focus on beef promotion, education, and development and legislation.
6. 501st Legion
In an effort to promote an interest in Star Wars, this volunteer organization, based on the baddies of The Republic, brings together costume enthusiasts who want to contribute to their community. Through Star Wars related events, they participate in fundraising and volunteer efforts to show that bad guys can do good. Since 1977 they’ve been working towards becoming the leading force in fan-based charity events.
7. Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere
It may have a playful name, but this nonprofit makes a serious difference. For homeless women and those who rely on donated or low-cost clothes, finding bras that is a real (and expensive) challenge. That’s where Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere comes in. These volunteers collect donated bras of all sizes and get them to women in need. So far, they’ve distributed more than 25,000 bras. As they say: “Let’s fill every cup!”
8. Cary Creative Center
As a way to help North Carolina become more environmentally friendly, Cary Creative Center helps community members turn trash into practical household items. Their mission is simple, to preserve the environment. They hold craft workshops and charity events to teach people how to use their trash to make their community greener.
9. Child’s Play
This game industry charity supplies games and toys to therapy facilities and hospitals. Their hope is to distract kids from a generally undesirable experience and to encourage peer interaction. Their network of over 100 hospitals across the world helps them bring smiles to kids with age-appropriate entertainment.
10. Preserve Victura at the JFK Library
This cause wasn’t weird, per se. But it certainly was a niche fundraiser: a to preserve President Kennedy’s beloved sailboat called Victura. The 85-year-old vessel requires between 100 and 125 hours of preservation work a year so it can remain in pristine condition. Thanks to a successful fundraiser, the JFK library was able to get the Victura in ship-shape for the summer season.
11. Zombie Squad
This organization is in the zombie removal business. But when business is slow they spend their efforts on charitable undertakings. They host disaster relief fundraisers, disaster preparation seminars, and they volunteer their time at emergency response agencies. They also have a store selling Zombie Squad merchandise, with a portion of the proceeds going towards local and national charities.
