November is not just a month for thanksgiving here at the refuge, but it is also a month we genuinely have to give thanks. This month several good things happened, and some things that are not bad.. The following paragraphs are mini articles to tell about things that have happened this past month (and a bit more).
Wild Birds Unlimited Brings In Money for the Refuge In November!
Our Wild Birds Unlimited shows are historically our best income educational presentations. This year, the shows brought just under $2000 in contributions to the refuge. Previous years have also netted us large numbers. We have to give a special thanks to the Baumer family, owners of Wild Birds unlimited in Raleigh and Cary, for their generosity in matching customer donations and in having us therein the first place! Thank you!
Charles River Labs Contributes Food for the Birds In November!
This years visit to charles river labs brought in about 2800 mice and 6 dozen rats. Since Mice cost about $0.65-0.85 each, and Rats cost $2.50 each, this is a huge contribution. As usual, we shared the wealth. We sent some of the food to other local raptor rescues, like Forest The Owl (foresttheowl.org) and CLAWS (nc-claws.org). Either way, we have a good number of days of food already in the freezers for our birds. Thanks Charles River Labs for the generous donation!
Cage rebuilds going well In November!
The cages that were damaged or destroyed by the ultra aggressive raccoons have been getting repaired, slowly but surely. We have 4 left that are not yet repaired, but hope to finish those over the holiday. We caught and killed one of the raccoons, and no attacks have happened since. Thanks to our contributors who have given us money for building materials!
Dr. Dan helps Beanca See Again In October!
As some of you may know, Beanca, our eagle has had issues with cataracts. recently she had a bad problem with her left eye. The cataracts grew and pushed the lens out of place, making ig get caught in her iris. Dr Dan did eye surgery and removed the cataracts and moved the lens out of the way of the iris. She can once again see out of that eye. Thanks Dr Dan and the staff at Avian and Exotic Animal Care for all the work they do for our birds!
The WTCC Raptor Rehab Students Contribute $2600 to the Refuge!
The 2012 Raptor Rehabilitation class at Wake Tech occurred at a particularly low point in refuge finances. This occurred when the SUV broke down, and the raccoon attacks were at their worst. Some of the students heard about the occurrences and made contributions to the refuge. Mary and Bill contributed $2500 towards materials, food, and expenses. Peter contributed another $100. The money was wonderfully helpful, and it kept us going and the animals fed for several months. Thanks Mary, Bill, and Peter!
Thanks to North Carolina Wildlife!
This year once again, NC Wildlife has had us as featured educators in their Raleigh facility and in shows like The Dixie Deer Classic, and more. In addition, they were there to issue us a license to stop the raccoons who were killing out birds, and even loaned us traps to catch them. Thanks NC Wildlife for all you do!
Thanks Rolesville Storage Max!
This year Rolesville Storage Max created "Charity Wars." The event invited non profit organizations to put items in a storage locker, and let people bid on the locker. Whatever the bid price was, the charity got. Rolesville storage paid all fees, the auctioneer costs, advertising, and so on. They gave each charity a free storage locker for a month to fill it up. We bought some nice items and had many contributed. Our locker sold for $625. Additionally a few month after, they sent us another check for $625. It was a record keeping mistake on their part, and we called and returned the check, but they were making sure everyone was paid. Thanks Rolesville Storage Max
Thanks to the Camenzinds for our amazing SUV!
Although each gas fill up I complain about it, we have to thank the Camenzind family once again for the donation of the 2000 Mercedes ML320 SUV. The car has to date done over 300 rescues, transported us to over 150 education shows, and gotten us through many many weather and road hazards with it's all wheel drive. 240,000 miles and going strong. Thank you Camenzind family!
Thanks Wake Tech!
Every year, Wake Tech Community College lets us teach a Raptor rehab course in their facilities. The 5 week long course qualifies for time towards a federal rehab license, and is now recognized by the NC Veterinary board for continuing education for veterinarians. Additionally this year, Wake tech has given me (Steve) more classes to teach to help bring in more money to support the refuge. Thanks Wake Tech!
Thanks to our Volunteers!
This year our volunteers have helped us in over 100 shows. We have had set ups outdoors in the rain, out in the hot bright sun, inside schools, in stores, and libraries. We have done shows all over the state. One volunteer moved over 2.5 hours away, but still comes in to help with shows and fund raisers! Our volunteers are special people who have put aside time to care for the animals. It is an amazing commitment. so we have to say, Thanks volunteers!
There are more things for us to be thankful for. The bottom line is that we are able to be here for the birds, and we thank all of you who helped along the way. Thank you for supporting us and following our blog and being there. Thank you!
--Steve
