Christmas has come early this year for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in East Sussex after members of the public have come to the aid of a cash strapped wildlife rescue charity.
Just over two weeks ago East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) had to launch an emergency appeal for help as the charity's funds have plummeted due to such a busy year help injured wildlife. As well as over £4,500 in donations being received since its appeal started, the charity has also launched a "Wish List" on Amazon which has led to numerous parcels full of gifts arriving at the Casualty Centre on a daily basis.
"It's been like Christmas! We are really so pleased. We are getting between 1 and 5 deliveries of parcels a day from very kind and generous people who have seen our wish list on amazon and have very kindly donated items of food including a box of carrots for a wild rabbit in care, creates of Nature Diet, Whiskas food, and items like hedgehogs houses, a rabbit run, an owl box and even other very useful items like bowls, trays, clipboards, washing up liquid, printer cartridges, envelopes, syringes, multivitamins and much more. After being attacked a month ago and finding it hard to go to work worried about finances, struggling to sleep worried as we can't help as many casualties as we want to; I am now completely different. Every day I go to the centre excited wondering what goodies and donations are going to arrive from such wonderful people again." said Trevor Weeks MBE, found of East Sussex WRAS.
"Our Casualty Centre has been running at 90-100% capacity since Easter without a break and it has been exhausting for us and our volunteers who have worked very hard this year. Thanks to everyone donations our bank balance is up enough for us to start rescuing again. We are not back in our safety zone yet and need at least another £5,000 before our bank balance will be in a comfortable position again, but things are looking better. If this support continues we should hopefully manage to get through what looks like will be an extremely busy winter season" added Trevor.
WRAS is still looking for more donations of money, and items from their Amazon wish list, and especially for people to take out standing orders for as little as £1 a month or more.
Since launching its appeal for help WRAS has received donations from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Ark Wildlife as well as numerous generous individuals both local to Sussex and further afield.
» View WRAS's Amazon Wish List
Donations can be sent to East Sussex WRAS, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE. They can be also made by calling 01825 873003 during office hours or online on our website.
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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks MBE - East Sussex WRAS: 01825 873003
Notes to Editors:
25th October Trevor was presented with an MBE by HRH Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace for Service to Animal Welfare. 15th October Trevor was attacked on his way home from a rescue from a thug demanding drugs. East Sussex WRAS was formed as a voluntary group in 1996, became a registered charity (No. 1108880) in 2005, but Trevor Weeks has been undertaking wildlife rescue and conservation work since 1985. East Sussex WRAS relies on donation to fund its work and only has two part time paid members of staff, but over 50 volunteers, working out of its Casualty Care Centre at Whitesmith between Hailsham, Lewes and Uckfield, East Sussex. Press Line: 07931-523958
