The Saco River Wildlife Center is in its Eras era.
Now a TikTok sensation, the Maine-based wildlife refuge posted about a fundraiser that featured Taylor Swift-themed T-shirts — but with a twist.
The shirts play on Swift’s now-iconic Eras Tour design, which just wrapped its first U.S. leg in Los Angeles.
Saco River’s director of development, Lauren Kennedy, was the mastermind behind the shirt, replacing the blonde pop star with the wildlife center’s famed critters: raccoons, possums, and skunks.
“The impact has been overwhelming,” Kennedy wrote to Good Good Good in an email. “Not only have we raised over $17,000, we are also increasing awareness of our organization and promoting the work of wildlife rehabilitation.”
Kennedy first posted about the shirts on her personal account on July 21, and the video quickly gained popularity. Commenters were thrilled to combine their love of Swift with their love of… nocturnal mammals.
“I’ve never purchased something so fast in my entire life,” one commenter wrote.”
“I love TS and raccoons,” another chimed in. “I need this.”
“Fundraiser for a wildlife center?!” a user said. “They are so cute!”
It’s safe to say the TikTokers have shopped in droves.
The T-shirts run for $25.99, but don’t worry; there’s a hoodie option for the cold weather months, and even a pet-sized tee, so your pup can rep the wildlife center, too.
“Sometimes I wonder if I am adult enough to be permitted to use my own money on things, and then I bought this,” TikTok user Meredith Steele said in a video, showing off her raccoon-themed Eras tee.
Well, the Saco River Wildlife Center thinks it’s a great way to spend that adult money.
“We are so glad you like it! Every single purchase helps our patients,” the organization commented on Steele’s video. “We are so grateful.”
Kennedy said that right now is the perfect time to support the organization, since they are in the midst of “baby season.” Last year, the organization took in over 135 baby raccoons, according to her email.
This fundraiser also supports the center as they move operations out of their founder and director’s basement — and into a new, renovated space spanning 16 acres.
“We are so incredibly grateful to those who went to purchase a silly, light-hearted shirt, and in turn, impacted our center in a big way,” Kennedy said. “I’m a huge Swiftie, so it’s wonderful to be able to really connect with the community in this way.”
Header image courtesy of Saco River Wildlife Center
