|
|
Wildlives receives no private funding: it is
entirely dependent on donations from members of the public. If you would
like to make a donation to the Centre, you can send us a cheque (see
Contact Wildlives page for our
address). Alternatively, fill out the standing order form and send it to us.
Even a few pounds a month would be of great help. |
| Whilst people have always been very generous,
Wildlives' dependency on donations inevitably means that funding is a
continuous and urgent problem for the Centre. |
| For example, in the financial year of 2004 -
2005, Wildlives spent £29,915 on caring for and treating our local
wildlife. £12,999 of that sum came out of Rosie's savings. This is a
situation that cannot continue much longer. |
| In the past, Wildlives has devoted little
attention to fundraising. Donations were welcome, but volunteers did not
actually go out promoting the Centre and asking for support. This attitude was
borne out of necessity rather than a lack of concern with fundraising: all
volunteers were needed to look after the animals. This is the primary work of
the Centre and must always be the priority. |
| 2005 however, was a particularly bad year, and
the Centre was forced to close on two occasions during the busiest period. It
became clear that something had to be done promptly to ensure the survival of
Wildlives. |
| There were several steps taken following this
decision. One of them was the creation of the Wildlives Supporters
Group. The Group is for people who support the work carried on at
Wildlives, and wish to make a small contribution to ensure its survival. The
idea is that people pay £25 per year, and renew their memberships
annually. Despite the diminutive size of the sum (it works out at about 52p per
week), it will add up to a substantial contribution towards the funding of the
Centre. Members do not receive mountains of junk mail. They will receive a key
ring and a car sticker so that they can show their support and - if they wish -
they may also receive a copy of Wildlives' bi-annual newsletter in the post.
|
| If you would like to join the Group, click on
the link on the menu above to download an application form. |
| Another step taken in 2005 was to form a
Fundraising Committee, made up of Wildlives volunteers. The Committee will make
sure that anyone who wishes to raise money for Wildlives receives full support.
It will also try to ensure that, wherever possible, Wildlives representatives
are present at local shows and events. |
| So, if you attend any local events, you may see
us there. There are always quite a few wildlife-related stalls present at local
events, for this area has numerous groups specialising in particular species.
Wildlives is the only organisation in this locality that deals with all British
wildlife however. Our stall will be easily recognisable. It will probably be
manned by people looking awkward and perhaps wishing they were elsewhere. Treat
them kindly: remember, these are public relations amateurs! They are probably
happier scrubbing out animal enclosures than extolling Wildlives' virtues to
complete strangers. |
