My Nonprofit Reviews
Karen Wille
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been associated with Pandas International (PI) for over 17 years as a volunteer, and as a Board Member for the past 7 years. PI's mission is to support the conservation of Giant Pandas primarily through our work with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP). Our Director, Suzanne, and Assistant Director, Andrea, lead our efforts and consistently meet or exceed the needs and requests of the CCRCGP in addition to assisting other affiliated panda bases with special projects. PI is a very efficient organization that is able to respond to long term CCRCGP requests as well as last minute and/or emergency requirements.
While the competition amongst non-profits is intense, Suzanne and Andrea have continued to maintain donor interest via holding quarterly auctions, special offers for new panda merchandise and continuing to identify and establish partnerships with new vendors. Additionally, because of PI’s exceptional relationship with our members, we have received sizeable donations through estate planning as a legacy to our supporters’ passion and commitment to saving the Giant Panda. These efforts enable PI to raise much needed funds to support our beloved bears.
I have traveled to China with PI and seen firsthand how well received PI's efforts are and the very good reputation and close relationships that PI maintains with the CCRCGP scientists, doctors/vets and panda keepers. As times change, PI continues to improve upon our relationship with the CCRCGP while reaching out to other organizations in China that need help as well.
In summary, PI continues to be an exemplary non-profit organization that maximizes the use of every dollar donated. I am proud to be affiliated with PI and am constantly amazed by how much is accomplished with limited staff and funding and highly recommend supporting PI’s mission by donating today!
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been associated with Pandas International (PI) for over 16 years as a volunteer, donating, adopting pandas, and as a Board Member for the past 6 years. PI's mission is to support the conservation of Giant Pandas primarily through our work with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP). As I have said in the past, our Director, Suzanne, and Assistant Director, Andrea, lead our efforts and consistently meet or exceed the needs and requests of the CCRCGP in addition to assisting other affiliated panda bases with special projects. PI is a well run, very efficient organization that is able to respond to long term CCRCGP requests as well as last minute and/or emergency requirements.
Even though the effects of the pandemic continue to impact our donor base, Suzanne and Andrea have been able to maintain interest in Pandas International via holding quarterly auctions, special offers for new panda merchandise and continuing to identify and establish partnerships with new vendors. These efforts enable PI to raise much needed donations to support our beloved bears.
Having traveled to China with PI, I've seen first hand how well received PI's efforts are and the very good reputation and close relationships that PI maintains with the CCRCGP scientists, doctors/vets and panda keepers. PI continues to develop our relationship with the CCRCGP while reaching out to other organizations in China that need help as well.
In summary, PI continues to be an exemplary non-profit organization that maximizes the use of every dollar donated. I am proud to be affiliated with PI and am constantly amazed by how much is accomplished with limited staff and funding and highly recommend supporting PI’s mission by donating today!
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been associated with Pandas International (PI) for over 15 years as a volunteer, donating, adopting pandas, and as a Board Member for the past 5 years. PI's mission is to support the conservation of Giant Pandas primarily through our work with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP). As I have said in the past, our Director, Suzanne, and Assistant Director, Andrea, lead our efforts and consistently meet or exceed the needs and requests of the CCRCGP in addition to assisting other affiliated panda bases with special projects. All of PI's efforts are funded via donations that Suzanne and Andrea skillfully work to obtain throughout each year. Most importantly, we are able to ensure that the vast majority of donations received are used to support panda conservation. PI is a well run, very efficient organization that is able to respond to long term CCRCGP requests as well as last minute and/or emergency requirements.
Given the many challenges over the past year plus due to COVID 19, non profits have struggled to maintain their donor bases while people are struggling with real life problems. However, Suzanne and Andrea have been able to maintain interest in Pandas International and the need to continue to donate via holding quarterly auctions, special offers for new panda merchandise and continuing to identify and establish partnerships with new vendors. Overall, and despite the many challenges, Pandas International has been able to maintain our status as a top rated non-profit dedicated to the conservation and protection of giant pandas.
Having traveled to China eight times with PI, I've seen first hand how well received PI's efforts are and the very good reputation and close relationships that PI maintains with the CCRCGP scientists, doctors/vets and panda keepers. PI continues to develop our relationship with the CCRCGP while addressing and navigating ever changing Chinese government requirements for "Non Governmental Organizations" (NGOs). We remain committed to continuing our work with the CCRCGP while reaching out to other organizations in China that need help as well.
In summary, PI continues to be a full service non-profit organization that maximizes the use of every dollar donated. I am proud to be a member of PI and am constantly amazed by how much is accomplished with limited staff and funding. For anyone that is dedicated to Giant Panda conservation or looking for a way to get involved and make a difference, the best way to help and support our beloved bears is by supporting Pandas International's efforts and donate today!
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been associated with Pandas International (PI) for over 13 years as a volunteer, donating, adopting pandas, and as a Board Member for the past 3 years. PI's mission is to support the conservation of Giant Pandas primarily through our work with the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP). Our Director, Suzanne, and Assistant Director, Andrea, lead our efforts and consistently meet or exceed the needs and requests of the CCRCGP in addition to assisting other affiliated panda bases with special projects. All of PI's efforts are funded via donations that Suzanne and Andrea skillfully work to obtain throughout each year. Thanks to the generosity of our board members, PI does not have to pay monthly office or storage fees. As a result, we are able to ensure that the vast majority of donations received are used to support panda conservation. PI is a well run, very efficient organization that is able to respond to long term CCRCGP requests as well as last minute and/or emergency requirements.
Having traveled to China eight times with PI, I've seen first hand how well received PI's efforts are and the very good reputation and close relationships that PI maintains with the CCRCGP scientists, doctors/vets and panda keepers. It is a pleasure to watch PI interact with the CCRCGP "in the field" and see how much has been accomplished through PI's years of dedicated efforts to support Giant Pandas. For example, PI hand carries supplies to China each year (i.e. formula for baby pandas, GPS tracking collars, medical supplies and computer software to better analyze panda health) in addition to working with the CCRCGP to locate manufacturers world wide to provide vaccines and equipment not readily available in China or the U.S.
In summary, PI is a full service non-profit organization that maximizes the use of every dollar donated. I am proud to be a member of PI and am constantly amazed by how much is accomplished with limited staff and funding. For anyone that is dedicated to Giant Panda conservation or looking for a way to get involved and make a difference, the best way to help and support our beloved bears is by supporting Pandas International's efforts and donate today!
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been associated with Pandas International (PI) for over 12 years as a volunteer, making donations, adopting pandas and as a Board Member for the past 2 years. My passion for supporting Giant Pandas has only continued to grow and I have traveled to China once each year for the past 8 years with PI. The trips are life changing as well as so very gratifying. I have worked closely with both the Director and the Assistant Director and can honestly say that the amount that they are able to accomplish is truly amazing as well as inspirational. PI is located in the basement of the Director's home and the Director donates her time to manage PI. The operation is streamlined to maximize the amount of money that is used to actually support our precious Giant Pandas - close to 100%. At a time when we are all asked to do more with less, PI epitomizes a well run, well organized and cost efficient and effective organization squarely focused on making sure that our beloved bears and the caregivers are provided with the best support possible.
In addition to being very well run, PI is a non-profit that embodies the passion and skills required to work with and coordinate activities with the Chinese as well as other organizations from around the world. From helping to fund technical conferences to facilitating the training of doctors and scientists to providing the equipment and clothing required to ensure that the Chinese keepers, doctors and scientists working in the field are safe and protected, PI responds to whatever challenge is provided and always finds a way to meet or exceed the needs of both the pandas and their caregivers.
From all that I have seen and heard and from all the people I have met, I continue to highly recommend this truly great non-profit to anyone interested in supporting our beloved Giant Pandas. Pandas International gives 100% to every project they undertake and the “return on investment” from every donation is priceless. Many thanks to PI for all of their hard work and dedication and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of their efforts to support our beloved Giant Panda Bears.
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I have been supporting Pandas International (PI) for over 10 years as a volunteer, donor and adopter (I am the proud adopter of two Giant Pandas) and now a board member. I could never have imagined how deeply passionate I would become about conserving and preserving these magnificent bears and that passion is due in large part to PI. I have watched how this truly great non-profit has been able to accomplish so much with a staff of two people in the basement of the Director’s home and I have traveled to China seven times with PI and their Director, Suzanne Braden, witnessing firsthand what PI does and how “our” donations are put to work. Each trip has been truly memorable, humbling, exciting and always an adventure. But most importantly, each trip has afforded me the chance to watch the progress being made to help conserve Giant Pandas through a long lasting partnership between the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas and PI. There is a trust and a mutual repect that is awe inspiring. And I have met Chinese doctors, scientists, and keepers who could not be more grateful for or humbled by all that PI does to support their efforts to constantly strive to learn more about how to help giant pandas now and in the future.
From all that I have seen and heard and from all the people I have met, I continue to highly recommend this truly great non-profit to anyone interested in supporting our beloved Giant Pandas. Pandas International gives 100% to every project they undertake and the “return on investment” from every donation is priceless. Many thanks to PI for all of their hard work and dedication and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of their efforts to support our beloved Giant Panda Bears.
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
I fell in love with my first Giant Panda in 2005. That is when Tai Shan was born at the Smithsonian National Zoo. It was also at that time that I learned about Pandas International (PI) and I have been working with them ever since as a volunteer, donor and adopter (I am the proud adopter of two Giant Pandas). I could never have imagined how deeply passionate I would become about conserving and preserving these magnificent bears and that passion is due in large part to PI. I started out as a volunteer, helping with fundraising and providing articles of interest to help educate people about just why pandas are so critically endangered. But that wasn’t enough because I watched how this truly great non-profit was able to accomplish so much with a staff of three people in the basement of the Director’s home and I wanted to do more. Over the past nine years I have traveled to China with PI and their Director, Suzanne Braden, and I’ve seen firsthand just exactly what PI does and how “our” donations are put to work. I saw urgently needed medical equipment that had been donated as well as baby formula, medicine, computer software and so much more. And I have met Chinese doctors, scientists, and keepers who could not be more grateful or humbled by all that PI does to support their efforts to learn more about how to help giant pandas now and in the future. From all that I have seen and heard and from all the people I have met, I can highly recommend this truly great non-profit to anyone interested in supporting our beloved Giant Pandas. Pandas International gives 100% to every project they undertake and the “return on investment” from every donation is priceless. Many thanks to PI for all of their hard work and dedication and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of their efforts to support our beloved Giant Panda Bears.
More Feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2015
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
In April 2006 I fell in love with my very first panda. He was the panda cub born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. named Tai Shan. From that love grew my passion for Giant Pandas and a desire to help in any way I could to help conserve and preserve these magnificent bears. And then I found Pandas International (PI). I first began interacting with PI by helping with fundraisers, panda adoptions and helping promote their events. Then, in 2010, I traveled to China with a tour group related to PI and met Suzanne Braden, the Director of PI, and saw firsthand how passionate and dedicated she is in supporting Giant Pandas in so many ways. Since then I've been back 3 more times with PI. One of the most inspiring part of PI is that Suzanne is a volunteer" Director who operates PI out of the basement of her home. Suzanne, along with 3 other hard working staff members, is able to literally move mountains in terms of getting the Giant Panda Reserves in China what they so desperately need in terms of baby formula, medical supplies, vaccines, GPS tracking collars, and so much more. I not only believe in what PI stands for and all that they accomplish but I am proud to be a volunteer doing what I can to help both PI and our magnificent Giant Pandas. Thank you PI for all of your hard work and dedication towards the conservation and preservation of our beloved bears.
More Feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Pandas International, Littleton, CO, USA
Pandas International is an internationally recognized champion of the very endangered Giant Pandas. They don't just talk about what could be done but rather they identify needs and are then dedicated to making sure the needs are fulfilled through their tireless fundraising efforts and by traveling to China to help in any way possible.
I have always loved Giant Pandas but it wasn't until Tai Shan was born at the Smithsonian National Zoo and I fell in love with him and his parents that I started to learn about just how endangered Giant Pandas are. From there I learned about Pandas International and about all the great work they do and their many accomplishments. Their motto is:
"Endangered means we have time
Extinction is Forever!"
I was so inspired by their efforts that I took a trip to China, organized by Pandas International, in September 2010 to get to see them in action as well as meet a great many pandas - and of course visit Tai Shan who now lives in China. I have also gotten involved with various fundraisers to support their efforts.
Suzanne Braden, the director of Pandas International, and her staff are both very knowledgeable and passionate about saving our beloved Giant Pandas. Suzanne's efforts are a good example of how a charity does it right and makes a difference in this world. Suzanne and Pandas International have inspired many people to join the cause to ensure that extinction and Giant Pandas are never used together - ever.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have watched as Pandas International has made great strides in spreading the word that Giant Pandas need lots of financial support so ensure that they will be around for a very long time. I read about their efforts, on the ground in China, right after the 2008 earthquake that was incredibly devastating. Their efforts have supported purchasing milk and supplies for newborn baby pandas as well as helping to repopulate the land in China with more bamboo (that was cleared out for future building sites.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None