How a Simple Calendar Became the Most Powerful Fundraising Tool for Squirrel Rehabilitation in NYC
At PrintingCenterUSA, we are constantly inspired by people who use print to make a real difference. For New York wildlife rehabilitator Rachel Tindal, her wall calendars are more than just a collection of cute woodland faces. They are the heart of her mission, the bridge between her rescue work and the community that supports it, and her biggest fundraiser of the year.
For six years, Rachel has trusted PrintingCenterUSA to help her bring the stories of injured and orphaned wildlife to life, one month at a time.
About Chip & Chloe Squirrel Rescue
Rachel is a state-licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator who volunteers her time to rescue, treat, and release injured and orphaned wildlife. Because she receives no state funding, everything she does is supported entirely by donors. Her calendar project became a vital part of sustaining the rescue, offering people a beautiful way to see exactly what their contributions make possible.
Every animal featured in the calendar represents a life saved, a second chance, and the impact of compassion in action.
“My printed calendars are my biggest fundraiser,” Rachel shared. “They give supporters a visual reminder of all the animals their donations helped save during the year, with a new face to remember every month.”
The Challenge
Running a wildlife rescue entirely on donations means every fundraising tool matters. Rachel needed a calendar that felt professional, heartfelt, and strong enough to communicate her mission without ever needing to say a word. She wanted something donors would treasure, display, and look forward to every year.
She also needed a printer who could consistently deliver true-to-life color, durable binding, and polished finishes that truly honored the animals she worked so hard to save.
The Printing Solution
For her 2026 fundraiser, Rachel printed a high quality, full color wall calendar designed to showcase the wildlife she rehabilitates throughout the year.
Wall Calendar Print Specs
Size: 11 x 8.5 inches
Type: Wall calendar
Binding: Saddle stitch
Pages: 28
Cover Paper: 80 pound gloss cardstock
Inside Paper: 100 pound matte text
Ink: Full color throughout
Cover Finish: High gloss UV
Desk Calendar Print Specs
Size 8.5 x 5.5 (8.5 x 5.5 Inch)
Type: Desk Calendar
Binding: Wire-O
Pages: 12-month (26 Pages)
Ink Color: (4/4) Full Color Both Sides
Paper Stock: 100# Cardstock Gloss (9 pt.)
The glossy cover makes each calendar feel premium and gift-worthy, while the matte interior pages preserve the natural textures and gentle expressions of each animal. This combination gives Rachel a product she can confidently share with donors, volunteers, and community supporters.
These calendars became her most effective fundraising tool, allowing her to generate support, share each animal’s story, and keep donors connected to her mission all year long.
The Impact
Rachel’s annual calendar does far more than raise funds. It builds community. It deepens donor relationships. It shows the real animals whose lives were saved because someone cared enough to give.
Every page is a reminder that rescue work takes compassion, time, and resources. Her supporters get to see the difference they make with every flip of the month.
For many people, the calendar has become a yearly tradition. For Rachel, it has become the heartbeat of her fundraising.
Thinking About Creating Your Own Mission-Driven Calendar?
If you want a simple, meaningful, and effective way to share your mission, a calendar is one of the most powerful fundraising tools you can create. It keeps your cause visible all year long and gives donors something they can hold, display, and connect with emotionally.
How to Create a Fundraising Calendar That Inspires Donors
If you’ve ever wanted a meaningful and effective way to connect with donors, share your mission, and keep supporters engaged all year long, a calendar is one of the most powerful tools you can create. It turns your story into something people can hold, display, and look forward to every month. Whether you run a rescue, nonprofit, hobby group, or community project, creating your own calendar can help people feel more connected to the work you do.
- Select your strongest images: Choose photos that tell the story of your mission with emotion, connection, or impact.
- Plan a clear, heartfelt layout: Use minimal text with enough space for your images to shine and your message to resonate.
- Choose the right paper: Gloss cardstock provides a premium cover, while matte interiors give a soft, artistic feel.
- Use our free design tools: Our free Online Design Tool and Adobe templates make it easy to design a beautiful calendar, even if you’re not a designer.
- Print in bulk: Bulk pricing keeps each calendar affordable so more of your funds go directly back into your mission.
A well-crafted calendar does more than tell your story. It strengthens relationships, inspires generosity, and gives supporters a constant reminder of the impact they make. When your images, message, and mission come together in print, your calendar becomes a tool for awareness, fundraising, and connection that lasts far beyond a single donation. And when you’re ready to bring yours to life, PrintingCenterUSA is here to help every step of the way.
Pro Tip: Add a short story, fun fact, or rescue highlight on each month’s page. Donors love knowing the animals by name and understanding the journey behind each photo. It builds stronger emotional connections and increases yearly return buyers. Fast track your design with our Free Online Design Tool or Free Downloadable Adobe templates.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to Rachel’s creativity, compassion, and dedication, Chip & Chloe Squirrel Rescue continues giving injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance. Her calendars help ensure she can keep doing the work she loves and the work the animals desperately need.
Explore More From Chip & Chloe Squirrel Rescue
Website: https://www.chipchloesquirrel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chipchloesquirrel
Instagram: Chip & Chloe Squirrel and Wildlife Rescue (@chipchloesquirrel) • Instagram photos and videos
At PrintingCenterUSA, we are proud to help individuals and nonprofits turn their mission into beautiful products that inspire generosity and support all year long.
Start your custom calendar project at PrintingCenterUSA.
