Thanks to the generosity of people right across the province, work on the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) roof is complete, well in advance of the colder winter weather.
“We were amazed at the outpouring of generosity, with so many people wanting to help,” says Meg Hatch, assistant manager, Wild ARC. “We got off to a great start with veteran volunteer Birthe Levie’s pledge to match donations up to $10,000, and when that was met in less than 24 hours, Birthe kindly offered to give an additional $5,000, increasing the match.”
The roof, which served thousands of wild patients for 21 years, was in desperate need of a fix.
“We were met with a number of offers to fix the roof, which we were incredibly grateful for. Ultimately Erickson Roofing in Nanaimo took care of these much-needed repairs and also gave us a discount of more than $6,100 for the materials used.” Hatch couldn’t help but note how keen the workers were to ensure the animals were taken care of during the process. “They went the extra mile, not only being interested in Wild ARC’s work, but keeping the noise down as much as possible to accommodate our recovering patients.”
Hatch says Convoy Construction Materials and DBL Disposal Services were also very accommodating. “A big thanks to both companies for looking after the supplies and the disposal needs related to the project.”
There is still more work to be done at Wild ARC, with a number of other repairs needing to be completed. This includes improvements to outdoor enclosures to ensure the safety of wild patients as they prepare for life back in the wild. For more information about Wild ARC and the work done at the facility, please visit our website.
—
September 19, 2018 update
We are simply overwhelmed by the generosity of our wonderful supporters, and have already met the $10,000 match. Our amazing volunteer Birthe Levie has even offered to give an additional $5,000 to increase the match! We do have additional expenses to coordinate with the roof repair – we also have plans in place to improve our facilities this fall, including improvements to the heating and cooling systems. Additional donations towards the repairs are still sincerely appreciated.
—
September 18, 2018
This winter, Wild ARC animals need your help to put a roof over their heads. Usually wild animals don’t need a roof, but when they’re orphaned or injured, and need rehabilitation, that roof can be the difference between life and death. After 21 years of service, the roof is aging and desperately needs to be replaced.
Please make a donation today to help replace it and your gift will be matched (up to $10,000) thanks to a generous matching gift from veteran Wild ARC volunteer Birthe Levie. To donate, visit spca.bc.ca/newroof
Wild ARC’s main facility has weathered the years well, but the roof is showing signs of wear. Plans are also in place to improve our facilities this fall, including improvements to the heating and cooling systems, and all potential environmental efficiencies are being explored.
The main facility is where Wild ARC house their most vulnerable patients – including newborn baby birds and mammals that require near-constant feedings, and patients that require medical treatment.
“Even after all these years, I still learn something new every single time,” says Wild ARC volunteer Birthe Levie. “Volunteering at Wild ARC never becomes routine since the species in care and their circumstances are always changing – the education is always ongoing. I have become a sponge for knowledge about wildlife, how our presence impacts them, and what we can do better to coexist.”
Birthe knows firsthand how critical a warm, safe space is for the wild patients she cares for while volunteering. She’s looking for some generous animal lovers to join her in making that new $20K roof a reality. This Thanksgiving season, help put a roof over the heads of our wild patients. By donating now, you can double your impact thanks to her matching challenge.