The National Wildlife Centre hosted its first formal fundraiser gala on Thursday September 22, 2022 at the Royal Ambassador. The event brought together over 175 guests who helped us raise over $75,000. A portion of these funds will help us construct a field hospital to immediately care for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife in Caledon and surrounding communities.
Thursday’s event was an important milestone for the National Wildlife Centre as they seek towards their next evolution – growth and permanency. The development of the field hospital represents the first phase of their project evolution initiative. The facility will be mostly clinical space and open to the public. The second phase will see the development of a larger space to serve as their national headquarters and training centre.
Guests were treated to a cocktail reception and in-person display of wild birds presented by Wild Ontario. During the three-course dinner, Dr. Sherri Cox, the Founder and Medical Director of the National Wildlife Centre, and Mike McIntosh, Founder and President of Bear With Us, shared their efforts in wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving Canada’s wildlife. Following their presentation, Layne, The Auctionista, hosted an entertaining and high-energy fund a need and live auction.
The highlight of the evening was Dr. Roberta Bondar’s keynote presentation. Drawing on her expertise as an astronaut, physician, scientific researcher and photographer, she provided insights on our changing environment and the impact on wildlife.
The gala received generous support from in-kind donations from local businesses and event sponsorships from the Airlie Foundation, Canon Canada Inc., Ganawendan Wildlife and Sanctuary, and IDEXX