A fundraising campaign has been launched to support a much-loved Cowes man whose aviaries were destroyed in Friday’s devastating fire, leaving him heartbroken and without the bird sanctuary he spent years building.
Nicki Williams, a friend of the victim, has set up an online fundraiser to help Bob rebuild his aviaries after they were completely destroyed by the blaze, thought to have been started by an electrical fault.
So far, £528 has been raised towards a £1,500 target.
Bob, who is well known in the local community for his selfless work with The Isle of Wight Bird Rescue, has spent years dedicating his time, energy and savings to caring for birds – many of which were rescues. The aviaries weren’t just structures, but a refuge for the animals he had looked after with unwavering devotion.
Nicki has said:
“Bob has poured his heart and soul into these aviaries.
“He’s not just kept birds – he’s rescued, nurtured and loved them as part of his life. To see everything wiped out in an instant is devastating.
Article continues below this advertisement “Bob has always given to others, now it’s time for us to give back.”
The money raised will go directly towards purchasing materials to rebuild the aviaries and help Bob care for the birds once again.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can do so by visiting the fundraiser page at www.gofundme.com/f/help-bob-rebuild-his-aviaries.
This is why they have home insurance.
Fed up of seeing these gofudme pleas when a simple call to the insurer would sort it out.
Isle of Wight planners should also be involved in any further rescue centre being built to make sure that bird noise is kept to a minimum for the sake of the neighbours.
The noise and smell the neighbours had to endure whilst this rescue centre was in Freshwater was not good.
A great cause, birds are flying Angel’s.
I don’t know why so many people dislike birds, they do
no harm to anyone.
Nothing wrong with a bit of bird poo, brings luck.
We need kind volunteers like this guy in the community, for as you can see on island echo, that there are loads of wasters and scumbags out there. Natures’ wildlife is slowly being eroded for various reasons, and we really need to try and preserve our garden birds as they can provide many benefits for people and the ecosystem. It is great to connect with nature, so I wish him the best and hope the aviaries are eventually back in operation soon.