Donations are tax-deductible for United States taxpayers to the full extent allowed by law. Donations will display on your credit card statement as "Friends of El Refugio." Friends of El Refugio Hogar Animal Costa Ballena Inc (or simply “Friends of El Refugio”) is a nonprofit organization that was established in the United States to raise awareness of and promote the charitable activities of El Refugio Hogar Animal Costa Ballena in Costa Rica, as well as to provide financial support when possible. Friends of El Refugio is a public charity with tax-exempt status under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3).