By Tara Prescott
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter and Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary would love to welcome you to their fundraiser at Selby Community House on Tuesday 7 November for their festive event “Afternoon tea for the Animals”.
Enjoy a delicious plant- based afternoon tea and entertainment for all tastes featuring live music.
Hold the knowledge warmly in your heart you are supporting two worthy charities that fight for animal rights with commitment to rescue and rehabilitation.
Amaroo Wildlife Shelter was established 10 years ago by Nicola Rae.
She has managed it ever since working ceaselessly with her dedicated team of volunteers to care for wildlife in Emerald and the hills.
Leah Folloni from Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary 12 years ago transformed her 11-acre Emerald property into a home for rescued and abused animals.
She works within the Animal Justice Party continuing to educate others about the agricultural industry whilst tirelessly campaigning for animal welfare.
Nicola and Leah work to take on all animals who need rescue regardless of their type and situation.
“We cater for all species, filling a need for the community, taking on the animals that no one else does,” Nicola said.
“Whilst funds are always so gratefully received and used to help as many animals as we possibly can, our capacity needs are always changing – this can also be seasonal as well.”
Nicola said permanent inftrastructure is now an “exciting option” for the shelter.
“We have already had some permits approved for a five-bay shed and have raised $12,000 for materials. We require funding for a large concrete slab and the construction of this amazing resource so we can use it for quarantining wildlife and storing hay. This shed can also be multipurpose thus extending its use and capability,” she said.
“We also need a large bird aviary as we have 73 ducklings in care, and other bird species including butcher birds and magpies. This aviary can be adapted for different seasons as in spring we have a rush on gliders and possums needing rescue. In summer it is more flying foxes and wombat joeys. If anyone has usable aviaries in good condition available for donation to us, please get in touch.”
Leah Folloni said hay and food are always needed for the animals including the new raft of ducklings.
“People can just drop off hay and supplies at the Emerald nursery they are always needed,” she said.
“The veterinary costs are a constant for animals that come to us injured and traumatised so donations for them are wonderful. We have an alpaca that was attacked by dogs and badly hurt. Her name is Peach and we have been treating and rehabilitating her for five months.”
Nicola and Leah say their focus is always on the animals and what they can achieve for them next.
“I currently work for Wildlife Victoria as a travelling vet nurse so I can’t take animals with me to work,” Nicola said.
“I do get concerns that without our shed we won’t be able to house as many animals as we would love to commit to. However, I’m thrilled that this fundraising event supports our path forward and continues to help our precious wildlife.
“What a wonderful opportunity for our caring community to enjoy an afternoon of celebration, vegan treats, fundraising and music for wildlife and animals in the hills.”
The afternoon will encompass live original music from folk fusion singer and songwriter Richard Ross, acoustic songs from veteran performer Mark Gardner and folk artist Wolf Arrow Rain. It will also feature a raffle with some great prizes on offer.
“Afternoon Tea for the Animals” is being held on Tuesday 7 November at Selby Community House st Minak Reserve from 1.30pm to 4pm.
Online early bird tickets available until 4 November via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com.au and search for Afternoon tea for the Animals.
The cost of tickets is as follows:
Adult: $15, Child over eight $8, Family of four: $40
Tickets also available at the door.
Adult: $20, Child over eight $12 , Family of four: $50
For further information or for donations of supplies and wildlife help/enquiries contact Amaroo Wildlife Shelter on 0415 107 444, or Maple Gardens Animal Sanctuary via leah.folloni@farmtransparency.org or 0438 684 408.
