Each year wildlife rehabilitators, vet offices, wildlife centers, zoos and other like places see more and more animals brought through their doors from interactions with humans. As the numbers of wildlife needing help increase the need for a facility that can provide the expert care in our area grows greater. On October 29, 2016 from 6:30pm to 9pm, London District Studios will host Fund the Hub, a benefit for Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. Appalachian Wild is working to raise $43,000, the remaining funds needed to open the doors of a triage site to care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
The need for this facility is more urgent than ever. The WNC Nature Center has announced that they can no longer accept injured and orphaned wildlife as of November 30, 2016 due to unforeseen circumstances. Fortunately, Appalachian Wild has not only raised the majority of the funds needed for a facility, but also found a location to start operations.
The timing is critical as the number of animals coming in each year has increased from almost 1,500 in the western North Carolina area last year to over 1,600 as of this month. Once open Appalachian Wild will staff the triage facility with all volunteers including licensed wildlife rehabilitators who will train volunteers. The organization has already been helping as a resource for wildlife inquiries and has a ‘Found an Animal’ page on their website with advice on what to do if you come across wild animals you think need help.
Appalachian Wild’s Facility Committee is finalizing a plan for building options, gathering in-kind donations of materials and recruiting skilled volunteers. If you are interested and able to help with getting the site ready or volunteering once the triage facility is operational, please contact the organization at volunteer@appalachianwild.org.
Guests at the Fund the Hub benefit will meet some wild animal ambassadors and enjoy food, drink and live music by Ben Wilson. There will be an auction and raffle that will include art donated by local artists including London Districts own Leslie Rowland, a Falconry Experience thanks to Curtis Wright Outfitters, a package of items to keep you warm from Diamond Brand and more. Come dressed in your wildest costume for a chance to win a special prize in the costume contest. To attend the Fund the Hub benefit, tickets can be purchased for $60 each at https://fundthehub.eventbrite.com. All proceeds go towards opening a triage site for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a 501c3 nonprofit that coordinates the needs of wildlife rehabilitation in Western North Carolina providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife, support for the wildlife rehabilitation network and conservation education to the community.
