Rally to save Mr Drew & His Animals Too

To our beloved community, we need your help. As of 10 days ago Mr. Drew and His Animals Too were given a 30-day notice to vacate their current location. While they have been in the process of trying to find a larger space to accommodate their ever-growing home, they did not expect to find themselves in such a predicament. February 25th they will be forced out of their current location.

Unfortunately, they are still in the process of securing sufficient funding so they can continue to bring you and your families better services, bigger events, and most importantly, protect and save animals who don’t always get the best rep but deserve protection. If you know Mr. Drew (or the Desjardins), you know how dedicated he is to serve his community and his love of animals. He is a treasure worth pouring into, as he has poured into us all these years. With the rising costs of expenses, we need to support his dream to continue to do the powerful work he does, and so that we can continue to experience the magic that is Mr. Drew and His Animals Too.

We, as customers, fans, community supporters, and friends can support this incredible business and family in the form of donations so they can secure their next location while also having to move hundreds of animals (and all that’s associated with them). This is going to be an immense undertaking! The costs to operate this type of business are substantial. While The Drews have always kept costs low, and offerings great, the reality is that costs like electricity, food, supplies, and more, are greater than many of our understandings.

If we want Mr. Drew to continue to show up for us, at schools, community events, parties, and shows, to continue to rescue animals in need of saving, and to educate us, then WE need to do our part and show up for him.

We are aware this a large number, but there is no obstacle that we can not overcome when we use all of our resources to come together. Let’s show Mr. Drew and His Animals Too that we support the mission, and he’s not going anywhere!

All donations have been set up to be directly deposited into The Drews Business Account. They will also receive all emails regarding donations.

With immense love,

Chelsea Briggs & Cheryl Horton

Social Media & Campaign Managers

A message from the owners

"OUR STORY" - By Drew & Susan Desjardins

As of April 2023, it would have been 5 years at the Pepperell Mill in Lewiston, Maine. It has served us well. We started there with a small idea of a small rescue and education center that would be affordable for all individuals and would provide education and let people have a hands-on experience like no other place in Maine. We make all efforts to ensure you leave The Education Center with something tangible… a little piece of something to remember what you learned while visiting with us.

Initially, it was just family and a few volunteers when we started in 2018. When we closed on March 15, 2020 due to the pandemic, the process of loss became real to our business and family.

No visitors.

No birthdays.

No large events.

No libraries, no classrooms, and no community events.

Nothing.

Did that stop us? Hell No! I know that in every gray cloud, there is a silver lining.

We adapted and grew our business, to include retail space, by breeding insects and rodents in order to create our own custom blended small-animal feeds… outcompeting big box stores in price and quality. We also initiated free virtual learning events statewide and internationally. The feeling of providing education to eager individuals throughout the world was incredibly fulfilling.

MOVING FORWARD

We reopened our doors in January 2022 and hired 10 great employees. We were greeted by hundreds of homeschooling groups, people from all counties in Maine, from out of state, and other countries. So many happy faces! We have given away thousands (thousands!) of crystals, fossils, shark teeth, arrowheads, seashells, books, lollipops, and hot, fresh popcorn.

Over the years, we have recommended local restaurants and activities to our patrons who have traveled the distance to visit us. We must make the next move in our growth… to a new location, so Lewiston, Maine continues to be a true destination point.

If you have scheduled a tour at The Education Center after the February vacation week, we should have reached out to you before this post became public but if not please reach out to us directly.

All current 300+ shows for 2023 are still happening and I am still booking shows but understand that those 300+ shows are within the next 5-6 months, so only certain time slots may be available until Autumn. My traveling shows are my primary funding for the education center, so thanks for hiring me!

Any admission passes purchased (they do not expire) will be honored at our future facility.

We look forward to sharing updates as we move forward in our new adventure!

Peace and Love in these wild times,

Mr. and Mrs. Drew