The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) near Madden is well known for caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. But providing that care costs approximately $43,000 a month – and AIWC is looking for donations to its annual Give the Gift of Saving Wildlife fundraising campaign. “There’s a big push for us to raise funds in December,” said Holly Duvall, executive director of AIWC. “We get the majority of our funding in December and that keeps us going until next December, really.” This is the second year for the online campaign, which began Nov. 30 and runs until Dec. 31. Duvall said the organization has a goal of raising $60,000. “As of now, we’ve raised just over $3,000. We want to try to hit our goal by Dec. 31,” she said. “We know that it’s a tough year – it’s been a couple of tough years for Albertans. We’re just asking people to give what they can. Every little bit helps.” December is traditionally quiet for AIWC, and Duvall said the organization uses that down time to focus on raising funds that will help it through the busier spring and summer months. “We squirrel those funds away. Our expenses [in the spring and summer] go insane,” she said. “We want to save as much money as we can, so we can continue to help wildlife.” There are currently 21 patients in residence at the centre, Duvall said, including a pair of ravens, several bats, three hawks and a porcupine. “The majority of those will have to winter with us,” she said. “The bats all came in with different injuries, and due to the time of year, they can’t be released. They’ll be with us all the way until May or June.” AIWC receives no government funding, according to Duvall, and relies on donations to fund its approximately $500,000 annual operating budget. Caring for an individual animal can run from $100 to $1,000, she added, depending on the amount of time it stays at the centre, and whether veterinary treatment is required. Duvall said AIWC holds a number of other fundraisers throughout the year to raise the money it needs. “Our store on Shopify is open year-round, too. We do lots of things to make do,” she said. “Every amount helps, no matter how small or insignificant someone thinks it will be. It will make a huge difference.” Anyone wanting to donate to the current fundraising campaign should call the centre at 403-946-2361. Monthly donations can also be set up over the phone or through the CanadaHelps website – canadahelps.org More information regarding AIWC can be found on its website – aiwc.ca
