Adam Prudhomme
Editor
At Napanee’s Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, falling mercury means a rise in animal patients and ultimately, funds needed to shelter those critters through the winter months.
Typically the community’s kindness has corresponded with the spike in cold weather, as supporters have gifted generously during Giving Tuesday. This year however the campaign brought in about half compared to what it generated in previous years, leading to a financial crunch for the not-for-profit animal rehab facility. Unfortunately the number of furry patients in need of warmth this winter season hasn’t seen a dip.
“We keep pretty busy through the winters, which used to be our slow time, with animals that are being displaced due to temperatures,” said Leah Birmingham, medical director at SPWC. “If (homeowners) were find something like a bat or a reptile in the winter and want it out, it would be a death sentence for it to go straight outside. We will take those animals in and over winter them and then release them in the spring.”
A typical winter could see SPWC take in upwards of 100 bats, many of which of the endangered variety. Their important work isn’t possible without community support.
“Over the last year I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (SPWC). As a veterinarian, volunteering at SPWC allows me to practice responsible stewardship, recognizing that most of the harm done to wildlife is caused by humans and our lifestyles. We are extremely fortunate in this region to have a world-class rehabilitation centre to intervene, where we as humans have failed,” said Dr. Andrew Winterborn DVM, DACLAM (Queen’s University veterinarian/director, Animal Care Services).
The centre has become well known across Ontario, taking in animals far and wide who would otherwise face a tough road ahead after an injury or displacement. The community has supported them in the past but with donations down significantly this holiday season, they’re appealing to the community to keep them in mind.
“There are so many amazing charities working hard, and deserving of donations in our area, it is a tough time for everyone,” said Birmingham. “Knowing this makes it hard to reach out and remind our community that wildlife need help as well. Sandy Pines has been serving Eastern Ontario for 25 years and we want to continue to grow and help more animals every year. To do so, we will need our donations to grow with us. Or at the very least remain the same as the year before and not drop by half.”
Anyone looking to support the centre can do so by visiting www.SandyPinesWildlife.org or by calling the centre at 613-354-0264. SWPC is located at 8749 County Rd. 2 in Napanee.