An Isle of Wight Bird Rehab facility is staring closure in the face after donations have dried up.
Isle of Wight Wild Bird Rehabilitation, Mr ‘Wally’ AWOL and Friends, said it may have to close as soon as the end of this month due to a lack of donations.
Increased fees for gas and electricity mean that keeping the birds – of which some are very sick – warm and dry throughout their time at the rehabilitation centre is becoming increasingly difficult.
Owner Kay Ounsworth blamed dwindling funds:
“We have less than £700 in the bank.
“Regular/online donators amount to £130 a month and we receive maybe £10-40 a week (£40-120 a month… Never guaranteed) in cash donations at the door.
“With food alone being approximately £200 a week at the moment we won’t be able to continue.”
Since posting a plea on Facebook , Kay said funds have been boosted by “a couple of grand”.
She said:
“I am truly blown away by the generosity of you all”
“Funds have been massively increased and with those who have set up standing orders, should hopefully remain reasonably stable.”
But with the cost of living crisis in full swing, a lot more money is still needed to secure the centre’s long-term future.
Is this a registered charity?
Why the thumbs down? I was asking a legitimate question as I am a business owner and I wanted to donate. Am I able to claim my donation on a tax return.?
No, I’m not a registered charity. Gist aid or tax relief cannot be claimed. Xx
Kay is a very dedicated lady to her birds.
She is indeed and travel’s all over the island by bus when needed to rescue a bird she is very hard working and dedicated, even putting the birds needs before her own health. Keep up the good work Kay x
This lady is an angel for Island wildlife she never turns wildlife away,even after sadly losing her husband quite recently she took a small break and apologised for doing so….her care is soooooooooo much needed amongst our wildlife….hugs Kay your a star
What is the rcn as would like to set up a funding page.
I’m not a charity. I do what I love, because i can.
Please see kay’s posts on the FB page regarding why she hasn’t registered as a charity. She is a wildlife hero and so many birds wouldn’t stand a chance without her. There are now a couple of pages set up for raising funds and people can also send items for the birds by purchasing from the Amazon wish list – see pinned post on the FB page for ways to donate.
I’m not on facebook etc, how do I contribute?