An Update From Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
An Update From Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
“Nature provides us with heartfelt moments, and helps us to realize that this isn’t just an animal any more than I’m just a man”, says Brian Salt, Executive Director at Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, when asked why he thinks LCF Donors grant to the organization so consistently.
“We’ve come to realize that what happens in the environment ultimately affects us as humans whether that be drought or disease, and wildlife serves as a barometer for the environment. It lets us know how well we’re doing and when we see these emerging diseases like Avian Influenza, Sars, and Covid that have affected animals and ultimately affected people, it becomes increasingly a concern for the general public. Primarily, our job is to rehabilitate sick, injured, or orphaned animals, 90% of which are the result, directly or indirectly, of human interaction.”
In recent years social issues exacerbated by the pandemic have dominated LCF’s granting, but the great work going on at Salthaven is a reminder that philanthropy works in hours and minutes as much as it does in dollars and cents.
The Strathroy branch of Salthaven relies on people volunteering their time to make the organization work. They’re a team of just three paid staff, but are supported by approximately one hundred volunteers who work in three shifts seven days a week. It’s important to Brian that volunteers have a good experience and learn new skills while at Salthaven, and it shows. Such is the enthusiasm to volunteer there, typically Salthaven gets three applications for every volunteer needed.
“The nice thing about it is that we get to meet some of the nicest people on the planet. We’re not looking for talents, skills, or abilities, we’re looking for people who have a heart and that we know can get along with other people so it’s a pleasure to get up and go to work every morning. We have an age restriction of 16, and we have people who tell us they’ve been waiting 5 years to volunteer with us!”
Building a community around an organization has long-term benefits too, as former volunteers move on to other things and develop careers, their links to Salthaven are remembered.
“There are six veterinarians in London and five veterinary assistants that started out as volunteers at Salthaven. When we go to the Mount Brydges Animal Clinic it’s like a little Salthaven, and neither they nor Masonville Animal Hospital has ever sent us an invoice. Does it make a difference? You bet it does! It all boils down to having a good volunteer program, it’s the lifeblood of what goes on at Salthaven.”
Because only three members of the team are paid, unrestricted funds that come into Salthaven have the capacity to be used for so many different things, as Brian explains;
“London Community Foundation donors are like manna from heaven. We’ll be talking about something at the board meeting which we need desperately but don’t have the funds for and have to put off, and we’ll get something from Lori (LCF. Grants Director) saying that there’s a cheque in the mail and it always seems to come precisely when we need it. It’s just remarkable. We are extremely grateful for the support of everyone at the Community Foundation, we couldn’t do it without your support.”
One of the ongoing projects that might benefit from funding like this in 2023 is the Bat Bungalow. Currently under construction, this building would make Salthaven one of the largest bat rehabilitation centers in Canada.
It’s been a slow-moving project though. As is the case for many organizations and businesses, finding carpenters, electricians and plumbers with the time and willingness required to make it happen is proving difficult. There have even been times when work was left undone despite Salthaven offering to pay 20% more than the going rate for the work, such is the need for people in skilled trades.
Another goal for 2023 is to boost the education program run out of Salthaven which hasn’t been able to run as smoothly since the start of the Pandemic.
“I’m a strong believer that education is important to inspiring people, so get Salthaven into a group that you belong to, whether it be scouts or guides, or a curling club, we’ve even spoken to hunters and made a real mark there by helping them to understand the results of poisoning caused by lead ammunition. We’ll speak to just about anybody!”
To learn more about Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or how you can support them, visit www.salthaven.org