By meadowlakeNOW

Local wildlife rehab gearing up for annual fundraiser

Oct 3, 2017 | 2:05 PM

Creating a new and safe home for animals needing rehabilition is a labour of love for Mark Dallyn, but that love and continual need for care often results in bigger needs for new and upgraded facilities.

Healing Haven Wildlife Rescue Inc., headed by Dallyn, a wildlife rehabber and veterinary technician, started as a childhood passion, and has grown into non-profit organization in the last number of years. The organization supports upwards of 160 animals a year. To help with those costs, the organization is gearing up for its sixth year of a the Wild for Life banquet on Oct. 21 at the Dorintosh Community Hall.

The inaugural Wild for Life occurred in 2012, and has since raised tens of thousands of dollars per year to support the various animals in care each year, which has ranged from birds, raccoons, rabbits, deer, skunks, and many other two and four legged creatures in need of care and eventual release back to the wild. Healing Haven is currently the only rehab centre in the province equipped to take in black bears as well, and since 2010, there have been seven bears in total taken in and released from the rescue.

Dallyn said plans for this year’s event are going well. The event will include a dinner and dance, live and silent auction, raffle, and several educational opportunities.

“We want to spend some time this year really showing people where their money is going, showing them how much things cost,” said Dallyn.

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The monies raised each year go towards updating and renovation the facilities at the constantly busy rehab centre, like enclosures for the animals which are to be built to specifications laid out by the Ministry of Environment.

“There are certain guidelines for how big our enclosures need to be,” he said. “They need to be built well and sturdy for the wildlife that we get in and we also like to go above and beyond so the wildlife does a lot better with a bigger space.”

The organization is still working on a beaver and otter pen, a four acre bear pen, and more flight pens for eagles and raptors.

Dallyn said he’s thankful for the support the organization has received over the years and is hoping for another successful fundraiser this year.

“We’ve been able to grow much faster than I ever thought would be possible, and that’s all because these fundraisers and donations coming in from people,” he said.

“And my board of directors as well as volunteers. They help out hugely, and make the event run so smoothly.”

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath