Hero
Now that the sun is shining again over Marin, folks are assessing damage from the atmospheric river that hit us last week. WildCare, a nonprofit agency that treats 4,000 sick and injured wild animals annually, says it is used to its roof leaking and floor flooding. In the best of years, its location on Albert Park Lane in downtown San Rafael is prone to flooding.
Unfortunately, this storm revealed many new water problems, including a large leak in the recently renovated roof over the animal food storeroom. WildCare needs our support to batten down the hatches against future rains.
The Facilities Repair & Renovate Fund will pay for necessary repairs to the roofs, floors and caging that keep wildlife patients protected and ensure that volunteers and staff stay dry while working. Be a hero and donate to the fund by visiting discoverwildcare.org or calling 415.456.7283.
If you can’t donate, how about volunteering for the unique opportunity to help heal wildlife? WildCare holds its annual orientations on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23–24, and it’s the only chance this year to become a volunteer at their wildlife hospital.
The orientation introduces potential volunteers, ages 15 and older, to the essential work at the hospital, including preparing healthy and natural meals for wildlife patients, weighing ducklings and feeding baby songbirds. Of course, volunteers do less glamorous work too, such as cleaning cages and washing dishes.
Your orientation day includes a presentation and a tour of the hospital. Volunteers commit to 11 hours of hands-on training at the hospital, and then to a regular four-hour shift once a week through the end of November. The experience is extremely fulfilling and many people continue their volunteer work beyond the initial commitment.
For more information and to register for an orientation, visit WildCare’s website. For questions not answered on the site, contact volunteer services director Kelle Kacmarcik at
vo*******@di**************.org
, or call 415.453.1000, ext. 21.
