mars 2012 annual report - Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society

Photo by: Photo Tech - foto source ©
MOUNTAINAIRE AVIAN
RESCUE SOCIETY
2012 Annual Report
Prepared by:
Warren Warttig, RPBio
President
Tel: 250.337.2021
warren.warttig@interfor.com
6817 Headquarters Road
Courtenay, BC Canada V9J 1N2
1-250-337-2021
www.wingtips.org
Info@wingtips.org
SPECIAL THANKS: We wish to
acknowledge the financial assistance of
the Province of British Columbia. The
Province of BC was our single greatest
contributor and supported the majority of
our 2011 education program on wildlife
protection and conservation awareness.
Peter Hamilton photo ©
MOUNTAINAIRE
AVIAN RESCUE
SOCIETY
2012 Annual Report
The Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) would like to
thank all of our contributors for helping us continue wildlife
rehabilitation and conservation efforts in 2011/12. The generous
contributions allowed for this year’s programs to proceed.
We appreciate the support of the MARS board of directors and
our many volunteers. Without you this could not have been
possible.
BC Hydro and Comox and Strathcona
Regional Districts also continue to be
strong supporters of MARS. Other
contributors include My Tech Guys Inc.
by hosting our web site and providing
tech support, funding from Campbell
River Search and Rescue, Capital Power,
Cumberland Rotary, Campbell River
Salmon Foundation, Campbell River
Logger Sports, Coastal Community Credit
Union Spirit Fund, Scotia Bank (Comox
branch) Oyster River Garden Society,
Bees and Blooms Nursery and the
Olympic Charitable Foundation. Photo
Tech-foto source, Heavenly Goodies,
Quality Foods, Superstore, Domino Pizza,
Thrifty Foods and 97.3 eagle FM all
contributed to MARS events through the
year. The Wickaninnish Inn/Point
Restaurant, Westjet, Harbour Hideout
B&B, art work from artists Brian Scott and
W. Alan Hancock and the Courtenay &
District Fish & Game Club (providing a
limited edition print) were major
contributors in support of our raffles.
Support for MARS and care provided by
our local Veterinarian Clinics was
amazing (as usual) and included
Vancouver Island, Campbell River,
Sunrise (thanks Stacey), Shamrock and
Puntledge Vet Clinics.
Food and other items donated for the
direct care of injured wildlife came from
Courtenay Petland, Woofy’s Pet Foods
and especially the Hornby Eagle Group
Projects Society, and several other
anonymous donors. Steve Harding of
Timberwolf Tree Service was always on
standby to scale a tree to rescue an
injured bird for us. The Youth Jobs Wage
Subsidy Program also allowed MARS to
hire a student assist during the summer
months.
We apologize if we inadvertently missed
any donors.
Sandy Royer photo ©
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Presidents Report .......................................................................................................................................................4
Constitution ................................................................................................................................................................6
Mission .......................................................................................................................................................................6
Goals ...........................................................................................................................................................................6
Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................................6
Philosophy ..................................................................................................................................................................6
Board of Directors 2011/12 ........................................................................................................................................7
Rehabilitation Report .................................................................................................................................................8
Wildlife Protection and Conservation Awareness Report ..........................................................................................8
Wildlife Facility Manager’s Report .......................................................................................................................... 10
Education Report ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
Fundraising and Special Events Committee Report ................................................................................................ 13
Financial Statements ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Directions to MARS.................................................................................................................................................. 20
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Cover Photo taken by John Wheat, the new owner of Photo
Tech foto source in Campbell River. John is a passionate
supporter of MARS. The picture is of a Screech Owl named
Otus, who is one of three MARS ambassadors.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) officially opened its doors in 1995 and recorded a
case load of 102; since 2001 we have averaged approximately 442 cases (including DOA cases)
annually with 437 cases in 2011 (table 1).
Of the 437 cases, 145 cases were released back
to the wild (33% release rate) (tables 2 and 3),
which is very close to our highest success rate
on record (34%). While this may not seem to be
a high release rate, the base case level includes
animals received DOA (40), and cases that
succumbed to injuries (mortally injured - 137)
shortly after we received them, and animals
that sustained injuries that rendered them
unable to survive in the wild (106).
One of the many important functions that
MARS accomplishes is our contribution to
recovery of species of interest (yellow listed)
species at risk (blue listed) and endangered
species (red listed). In 2011 we received 50 Bald
Eagles. Other yellow, blue and red listed
species that we received in 2011 included 2
Great Blue Herons, 1 Western Screech Owls,
and 1 Peregrine Falcon. In past years we have
received a Painted Turtle, a Burrowing Owl,
Marble Murrelets, Northern Goshawks, Green
Herons, Common Nighthawks, Northern
Harriers, Sandhill Cranes, Barn Owls, Northern
Pygmy Owls and a Northern Fur Seal. To learn
more about red and blue listed species and
ecosystems on coastal British Columbia, check
out the fact sheets on:
Table 1 – Cases per Year
Table 2 – Releases per Year
Table 3 – % Releases/ Year
http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/factsheets/
In 2011 MARS staff has remained consistent
with Maj Birch as general manager and Reg
Wescott as an animal health care technician
and public outreach. Despite two staff and
several volunteers contributing (on many levels)
to animal care, our case level and our other conservation initiatives were still difficult to handle.
More volunteers (and/or additional staff) and funding were needed, especially during our more
difficult months of May and June (baby animal season). To help accommodate the work load,
Dawn Turner was hired part time to help with administration duties; short term employment
(June to August) of an addition animal health care technician was also implemented. Following
the departure of Dawn, Pat Wagar was hired on a part time contract basis early in 2012.
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Our intern program continues to be successful and in 2011 we had 10 volunteer with MARS.
Volunteers are still the foundation of MARS. Some of the volunteers (and I don’t see all of them)
that really stood out for me were Pat Horie and Steve Howard for constructing a new admissions
area, Pearl McKenzie for her tireless efforts at fundraising and people management, Kristie
Persinger and Julie Hunt for their involvement in many of the MARS Committees, John Turner
for his involvement on the board and just about anything else that gets thrown at him. Kristi
Meier has held the position of Treasurer for many years; her involvement on the boards and
keeping our books in order has been invaluable (this will be the last year for Kristi on the board
and as treasurer and we will miss her very much). Betty Robertson, Dianne Pollock, Molly and
Gordon Richardson, Lynda Hodgkinson and Paul Jackman were heavily involved in special
events and fundraising. Pat Wagar, despite being contracted part time also contributes countless
hours of volunteer time in keeping our web site and Facebook current. Jacki and Sandy Royer are
strong volunteers at the MARS facility and I don’t think anyone is as good as Gordon Bleakley at
selling raffle tickets.
Concentrated efforts were made throughout 2011 by volunteers to continue to modernize and
revamp our website ( www.wingtips.org ) and make a presence on Facebook in order to increase
public awareness of our activities both for education and fundraising. One of our popular
fundraising initiatives has been to sponsor and attend the release of a rehabilitated animal. Most
people that have taken advantage of this offer (either directly or through a gift) find this to be a
rewarding and sometimes emotional event. As president of MARS I have been on several
releases and the experience is both rewarding and emotional.
Sandy Fairfield’s newspaper columns have continued to be a popular educational tool, as are her
programs with the schools. Local veterinarians have continued to donate a lot of their time and
expertise. Our Board of Directors, fund raising and special events committees have shown an
incredible team effort that is not often seen in volunteer organizations. Our adopted educational
birds are popular at many public events that we attend. The dedication and the quality of work
of our volunteers and staff, and participation of local veterinarian clinics are inspiring.
During the Fall of 2011, demand on expenses was significantly
higher than income. This put the board in a difficult position of
contemplating layoffs and reducing rehabilitation activities.
Luckily the word got out, and the public stepped up with
donations. From Facebook we received donations from people
all over the world; many of the donations were small, but the
sheer number cumulated to a substantial total. We now find
ourselves in a relatively comfortable position for day-to-day
activities (hand-to-mouth). Potentially we may even be able to
work towards long-term planning. This is essential if MARS is
to remain a permanent fixture.
Warren Warttig, RPBio
President
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Dr. Stacey Gastis of Sunrise
Veterinary Clinic with injured owl
CONSTITUTION
1.
2.
3.
The name of the Society is Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society
The purpose of the Society is:
a. To rescue, transport, rehabilitate, and release ill, injured, orphaned, or oiled wildlife.
b. To educate the general public about wildlife issues through lectures, displays, workshops, reports and
publications.
c. To contribute to the knowledge and understanding of wildlife by participating in research, and sharing that
information with wildlife organizations and the general public through meetings, seminars, conferences,
reports and publications.
d. To conserve and protect wildlife and promote conservation of wildlife habitat.
Upon winding up or dissolution of the Society, the ordinary resolution authorizing such winding up shall
specify that any remaining assets belonging to the Society shall be distributed to a registered society having
objectives similar to those of the Society, after all debts have been paid, or a provision for payment made. This
provision is unalterable.
MISSION
To rescue and rehabilitate injured or ill wildlife and release those with a good chance for survival back to the wild.
To contribute to wildlife studies of populations, injury or disease and promote wildlife habitat conservation. To
share the knowledge gained with peers and educate the public on human impact on their environment.
GOALS
To reduce suffering of wildlife, often affected by human influences and educate the public about their effect on
nature and how to reduce that impact.
OBJECTIVES
Provide a safe, stress-free environment for wildlife to recover. To contribute to the knowledge and understanding of
wildlife by participating in research and sharing information with wildlife and professional organizations and the
general public through meetings, lectures, displays, workshops, seminars, conferences, reports and publications.
PHILOSOPHY
We are a non-profit organization. Our energy is totally directed towards rehabilitation and education, and the
funding for those endeavors. We abide by all governing laws and regulations under which we operate. MARS holds
permits from federal and provincial governments that allow us to rescue, keep in captivity and care for wildlife.
The intensive care unit (ICU) at the centre and outdoors pens are off-limits to the public due to permit restrictions
and because wildlife become stressed around people. We endeavor to maintain high standards of care and ethics
and to work cooperatively with many related organizations.
We strongly advise against keeping any wildlife species as pets and make every effort to ensure that all wildlife
patients remain wild. We work closely with several local area veterinarians and receive many referrals from the
SPCA. Before admitting any case, every effort must be made to resolve the situation (e.g. reunite fledglings with
their parents). We are not a relocation service for nuisance animals.
We are primarily concerned with treating those animals which are in distress due to human related activities (e.g.
car, cat, oil). Human intervention (picking up fledglings off the ground) is discouraged and return to the parent
should be immediate. Where it can be determined, we will not interfere with animals in distress due to a natural
process (e.g. natural predator/prey interactions).
The responsibility of care of domestic animals falls under the jurisdiction of the Veterinarian Act. Therefore, we
cannot accept or attempt to diagnose problems concerning domestic animals, accept them for treatment, housing,
or try to find homes for them. This includes chickens, peacocks, domestic ducks and pigeons.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011/12
Warren Warttig – President
Warren.Warttig@Interfor.com
Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio)
International Forest Products (Interfor)
3811 Mitlenatch Drive
Campbell River, BC V9H 1J7
Home 250 926-0001 Work 250 286-5168
Pearl McKenzie – Vice President
pearl_mckenzie@telus.net
Consultant
8685 Beach Crescent
Black Creek, BC V9J 1K1
Home 250 337-1934
Sarah McNulty smcnulty01@gmail.com
#102-4705 Alderwood Place
Courtenay, BC
V9N 9A1
Home 250-228-3677
John Turner johnjt@shaw.ca
926 Stewart Ave
Courtenay, BC V9N 3H2
Home (250) 334-3319
Kristi Meier – Treasurer k.a.meier@shaw.ca
Accountant
Presley & Partners Chartered Accountants
1285 B 5th Street
Courtenay, BC V9N 1L7
Home 250 338-6270 Cell 250 218-0463 Work 250 3382688 Fax 250 338-1969
Julie Hunt - Secretary wholio12@shaw.ca
Resource Consultant
158 Manor Drive
Comox, BC V9M 1C7
Home 250 339-0980 (fax the same)
Cell 250 218-4960
Kristie Persinger kristie@freedomstarter.com
2045B Robb Avenue
Comox, BC V9M 1M2
Home: 250.339.9885
Work: 250.703.4110
Full time Staff: Maj Birch and Reg Wescott
Part time Staff: Dawn Turner
Part Time Contract: Pat Wagar
Bonnie Forrester photo ©
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Charles Brandt photo ©
REHABILITATION REPORT
Animal Care Statistics
Passerines
Raptors
Waterfowl
Terrestrial Mammal
Marine Mammal
Shorebirds
Game Birds
Amphibian
Reptile
Total
Total Species
Disposition
Released
Transferred & Released
Deceased
Euthanized
Dead on Arrival
Educational Ambassadors
211
99
37
46
11
32
1
0
0
437
83
145
9
137
106
40
John Deal photo ©
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WILDLIFE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION AWARENESS REPORT
Education is an integral part of our work; staff, interns and volunteers learn by doing under the
supervision of staff and pass on to others what they have learned. We rescue, care for and
rehabilitate raptors (eagles, owls, hawks, ospreys); song birds, waterfowl, mammals (bats,
raccoons, mink). These injured or sick animals and birds are rescued from all over the northern
part of Vancouver Island (from Courtenay to Gold River to Port Hardy and Alert Bay) as well as
the northern Gulf Islands. The people in these areas who call us to request a rescue frequently
stay connected with us to determine the outcome and learn more about how they can support
wildlife in their area; they also frequently request a presentation in their community.
We provide information and education about Vancouver Island wildlife and their habitat,
describing how human activities can cause animals and birds to become injured or orphaned
and need our care and how this damage can be prevented or mitigated. We raise awareness
about the need to conserve habitat and explain how each of us can make a contribution to this
conservation. In sharing what we have learned, we provide opportunities for people to ask
questions and talk about their own experiences. We reach more than 25,000 people every year
with our newspaper columns, educational materials, classroom and small group presentations
and at public events with our ambassador birds.
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During the spring, summer and early fall of 2011, MARS staff, educational birds and volunteers
attended 66 venues, accompanied by our ambassadors (educational birds), to make
presentations to students, community groups and people attending public events. These
presentations took place throughout northern Vancouver Island and nearby Gulf Islands,
including Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox, Miracle Beach Park, Royston, Fanny Bay,
Cumberland, Black Creek, Denman Island, Quadra Island and Powell River. We estimate total
overall attendance at these events to be more than 20,000 people.
There were 10 interns at MARS between April and September of 2011. These post-secondary
students (many of whom hope to go into veterinary medicine), each committed to working 48
hours per week for 6 weeks. They
received training and supervision in
care of wildlife and assisted staff and
volunteers with activities of the
Wildlife Protection & Conservation
Awareness program. They prepared
displays and information materials,
attended public events with the
educational birds and answered
questions about conservation and
wildlife in our care. At the end of
their time with us, each intern
participated in either a fly-in trip to
Knight Inlet to tour forestry
Barb Biagi photo ©
operations (and a chance to see
grizzly bears) or take part in a “swim
with the salmon” in the Campbell River. A local forestry company (International Forest
Products Ltd.) and tour operator generously donated these adventures to thank the interns for
their contribution to MARS.
Other Community Education & Awareness Building Activities
 Newspaper Articles –MARS Moments articles are published every second week in the Comox
Valley Record and the Campbell River Mirror, potentially reaching in excess of 50,000
residents
 Excel College Office Management Students – 5 students spent 4 hours each at MARS learning
about basic office management for small organizations
 Youth and Ecological Restoration Program (YER), involving youth at risk with ecological
restoration activities – MARS provided work experience and training for 10 youths. (See
attached letter of support from the coordinator of this program)
 Restorative/Community Justice placement – 2 days at 5 hours per day
 John Howard Society placement – 5 days at 5 hours per day
 Gabriola Rescue Orphaned Wildlife (GROWL) – tour of the facility and info for 6
representatives
 Youth with disability (autism), accompanied by aide: supervision and support to provide
maintenance services to MARS grounds – 5 day for 5 hours per day
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
ESL students from Spain – two separate visits for tour of facilities and assistance in park trail
maintenance (MARS
volunteers maintain a local
park in return for a small
donation from the Comox
Valley Regional District)
WILDLIFE FACILITY
MANAGER’S REPORT
As with other years, this year
was a year of challenges and
extremes. Funding levels were at
adequate for a good portion of
the year, and then we found
ourselves in a position in the Fall
of severe cash flow problems.
Ryan Dawson photo ©
In addition to the people and
groups mentioned earlier I
would like to thank our 10 interns in 2011 (Judiete, Tyler, Justine, Holly, Marin, Alissa, Katy, Amy,
Claire, and Julie). We are grateful for the work of these individuals, especially during our busiest
period (May to July). I would like to thank Gerry Powers for the mounts (baby eaglet in a nest
and a Northern Pigmy owl); these mounts are valuable for our education work. Melvin W. Moor
for his donations for a fundraising auction, Knitmaster for a wool hat, Norm Snihur for his
transportation of animals, Carolyn and Arne Hamilton for their time, Bruce and Judy Wing for
their 1st Tuesday Charity fundraiser at the Mex Pub, NEWS Program, In Focus, the SPCA Youth
Camp, Forbidden Plateau obedience and Tracking, and the Comox Valley Regional District.
The following is a summary of significant events over the last year:
MARCH-Built the wall for the divider between the Office and Admitting in the Workshop.
CCCU funds $1500 for purchase of our Video Camera. Donations from Scotia Bank in Comox, the
Oyster River Garden Club, Campbell River Salmon Foundation and WiTS nest tree monitoring.
Gaming Grants through the province of British Columbia of $12500 for Education. Tsolum Sprit
Park maintenance begins with CVRD Contract $1360
APRIL - Interns arrived beginning in April with 10 on site this year. North Island College Animal
Care Aide Program 8 hour days x 8 students. Day of the Estuary event at Komoux Band Hall.
Fish & Game Club donate Framed Print. Increasing requests for presentations within and outside
the community (e.g. the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino). Ebay art Auctions from HEGPS member
MW Moore. Earth Day at Simms recognized that Eagles nesting were affected by noise the
previous year and failed to produce young so efforts were made to alter the set-up to reduce
impact. Hired Admin Assistant through NEWS Program.
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MAY - Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens kicks off big summer raffle. W. Allan Hancock donates
100 Limited Edition prints for fundraising. Moved the intern bunkhouse. Campbell River SPCA &
River Never Sleeps. Northern Pygmy Owl Presentation at CV Naturalist Men’s Presbyterian
Church events. Jim Dubois, photographer and avid supporter of MARS, passes away. Sidney
Eaglet entrapped in line – captures media attention; MARS consulted on issue. HEGPS Donation
$400. Simms Creek stewardship presentation. MARS AGM
JUNE - Hired Judiete as Intern supervisor for three month contract under Youth Skills BC
Workplace Pilot program. Reg has new job description as wildlife rescue and Educational
Outreach Worker. Fawns arrive with some diarrhea issues; new interns work to treat with
special diets. Four Pacific White-sided Dolphins stranded at Oyster Bay, MMRN asks us to
respond. Vancouver Island Music Fest volunteers work all weekend.
JULY - Selling lots of Raffle tickets at Canada and Market Days. Interns working full time with
Owls, deer and Seal pups. There is a rumour that MARS “doesn’t do Robins” which is not true –
it is our most common species. Ten Excel Students from Spain help paint Tsolum Sprit Park
signs. Interview with Mike Bell aired on Shaw Cable about the need to protect the estuary
Decker Released in Union Bay by NIWRA, Robin, HEGPS, media present. Followed by tour of
MARS by HEGPS group
AUGUST - Filberg and Nautical Days events with Raffle sales a big weekend. Loggers Sports in
Campbell river – we have 14 volunteer timers each day. Strathcona Park Day. CVEX – Fall Fair –
no ticket sales allowed for the first time this year. Purchased a camcorder with funds from
Coastal Community Credit Union. Several young immature eagles admitted. Region District ABC
Grant in Aid funding received. Ordered new scales for admitting.
SEPTEMBER - Last of the interns for the season – 10 this year, the most we have had and the first
time we have given them a stipend – thanks to the financial support from the Province of British
Columbia through gaming funds. Judiete leaves after a 3 month term as intern supervisor.
Young eagles are in care at MARS having failed from fledging. Waiting to see if the Salmon
returns are strong this fall to support a large population.
OCTOBER - MARS releases 5 Bald Eagles on the same Day, including SHREDDER who gained a
lot of recognition due to her tendency to SHRED her blankets, food and perches. The YouTube
videos of our patients and Facebook page has added a new dimension to MARS, increasing our
followers. Café Press now carries MARS images on T-shirts and other merchandise.
NOVEMBER - MARS faces an uncertain future as funding sources are drying up. With 2 months
funding remaining and 3 employees we are forced to appeal to the community to help us
financially so that we don’t close our doors. A strategic planning session brings many volunteers
together to help come up with ideas for raising funds and implement them within the next few
months in order to survive. Lynda Hodgkinson takes on the role of Chair of the Fundraising
committee. Dianne Pollock helps with researching funding sources.
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DECEMBER - MARS gets ready for Christmas Craft fairs to help raise much needed funds, Hot
Chocolates has created “flying eagles” made of chocolate to help with fundraising. Dawn Turner
leaves MARS as Admin Assistant. Applications for Gaming Funds (for our Educational Program)
and to BC Hydro for our Bald Eagle Festival in February. Contract to Pat Wagar as Computer and
Office Assistant. Christmas raffle helps with funding raising $2300 in one month. Continue with
a series of small raffles throughout the year.
JANUARY - Donations come through to keep MARS from closing, many from the community as
well as from across North America, and from our Friends from Hornby Eagle Group Projects
Society (HEGPS). We hope to encourage folks to make monthly contributions so that we can
budget for the future. News that Gaming may approve our application. Planning for Walk for
Wildlife In April successful Pub night 50/50 draw helps raise funds thanks to the Whistle-Stop
Pub and many contributors for prizes. Visit the work done on our Website www.wingtips.org for
info. Also our Facebook page continues to grow and is very active. The media announce that a
Nest Tree cam will be set up in Courtenay after approval by City Council to a proposal by
HEGPS.
FEBRUARY - BC Hydro grants $10,000 to MARS for our Bald Eagle Festival and for ongoing
wildlife rehab care. BC Gaming grant MARS $12,500 for our Wildlife Awareness program
(Education). Bald Eagle Festival at the Maritime Heritage Centre is the most successful yet with
over 600 in attendance. Eagle And Fish is the Theme and Mayor Jakeway welcomes the
public. There is a windstorm that day that knocks out the controversial eagle nest from the Gas
& Go site in Comox. An Eagle Nest tree is cut down in Campbell River the same weekend as our
Bald Eagle Festival with outrage from the City Mayor to change Tree protection bylaws. No
charges under the Wildlife Act, sending a bad message.
Maj Birch - Manager
EDUCATION REPORT
Since the conception MARS’s educational program on 2003 I have brought MARS into the
classroom, and also conducted field trips to see nature at work in a hands on manner. The
program continues to be in great demand, reaching hundreds of students and adults each year.
During 2011 I visited 32 schools, adult learning centres, senior centres, day care or early learning
centres and adult programs for those with mental or physical disabilities. Schools visited in the
Comox Valley included Aspen Park Elementary, Puntledge Park Elementary, Lake Trail Middle
School, Arden Elementary, Cumberland Elementary, Royston Elementary, Miracle Beach
Elementary and Beachcombers School at Fanny Bay. Campbell River saw classes at, Pinecrest
Elementary, Ecole Willow Point, Ecole de Deux Monde, Georgia Park, Campbell River Christian
School and the e-blend Home School Group. By far the most popular topic continues to be
“owls” closely followed by “eagles” and the general introduction to MARS. Some of the classes
continued with a field trip to the beach or forest to see the “real thing”.
Summer camp programs were also in demand and I conducted programs at Lewis Park for the
SPCA summer camps, also summer camps with the Comox Presbyterian Church and the
Mennonite Church at Black Creek, the Kinnikinnick Day Care group at Miracle Beach Park,
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where I also took a tour through the forest with a special needs group of adults which was very
rewarding for me. This year saw fine tuning of the power point programs and the addition in
September of “Otus” the screech owl who had completed his training and was ready for the
classroom. He has been an amazing ambassador for the society and the perfect size for
transportation and the kids love him! This year also saw an increase in donations from the
program raising $1,704.
Two of these deserve a special mention as they were very innovative. Miracle Beach’s grade 2/3
class created ceramic owls in their art class which they then sold to the highest bidder amongst
friends and families raising an amazing $425. The grade 1/2 class at Ecole Willow Point tied their
fundraiser with sustainable gardening. They harvested tomatoes in the fall then dried the seeds
and grew the plants in their teachers’ greenhouse until they were big enough to bring to and
nurture in the classroom. They generated $236. A huge thank you goes to both classes who had
lots of fun in the process.
MARS Moments continue to keep me busy and as always a big thank you to Mark Allen of the
Comox Valley Record, Alistair Taylor of the Campbell River Mirror, and Mike Yip for allowing
me to use his amazing photos when our patients are not up to having their pictures taken. I
hope to be able to continue to expand the program and have already had inquiries to go to some
middle schools, I could be doing this full time but personal life has made me temporarily cut
back on the number of classes I can accommodate. One last thank you to Pat Wager who helped
me learn power point creation and had infinite patience with me, and also for putting MARS
Moments on our web site. I look forward to next year and appreciate all the support from the
teachers who assure me they will still include our program in their classes.
Sandy Fairfield
FUNDRAISING AND SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE REPORT
The Fundraising and Special Events Committee is responsible for overall fundraising to help
ensure short and long term financial viability of
MARS. Committee members extend a
heartfelt “thank you” to MARS’ supporters for
your incredible outpouring of support this
year.
Gloria Folk photo ©
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Although we ended the 2011/12 fiscal year in a
reasonably comfortable financial position,
there were some anxious months. In
December we turned to you for help and you
gave generously. People who live in this area
made donations and rallied to raise money in
various ways to help MARS. Social media
allowed us to reach donors in other parts of
the world and they responded as well.
Many of the financial donations from people living elsewhere in Canada or in Europe and the
United States arrive through the portal of Canada Helps (www.CanadaHelps.org), which enables
donors to make online credit card donations to registered Canadian charities. The Canada Helps
online fund alone brought in about $25,000 this year.
Our website and use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has been enhanced with the video
camera and related equipment purchased with a grant from the Coastal Community Credit
Union Spirit Fund. A much appreciated volunteer dedicates many hours to Facebook and
YouTube videos, which have become indispensable tools for sharing information about wildlife
in care and staying in touch with members and other supporters
Local supporters have been very creative in their fundraising efforts, for instance:
 A volunteer has been collecting and returning bottles and cans to the Courtenay return
depot and established a number (#135) for people who would also like to donate their
rebates to MARS
 Miracle Beach Elementary students
created clay owls and sold them to
parents and friends (see education
report)
 Ecole Willow Point students thought
of a unique way to raise funds for
MARS (see education report)
In addition to fundraising activities and gifts
from schoolchildren, service clubs,
businesses and individuals, we feel very
fortunate to have received Gaming Funds in
the amount of $25,000 for our educational
program. This grant helps us share
information about what we learn in doing
rehabilitation work. We estimate that we
reached about 30,000 people this year in
school and group presentations and at public
events (and countless more online). The
regional districts of Comox Valley and
Strathcona gave us a total of $5,000 in grants
in aid over this past year.
Bob Palumbo photo ©
Volunteers are the quiet heroes of MARS, collectively giving thousands of hours to fundraising
and educational events. They also hire themselves out to earn income, for example:
 During the past year MARS volunteers looked after Tsolum Spirit Park and have just
added the new Headquarters Townsite Park to their caretaking duties. The Comox Valley
Regional District gives MARS an annual stipend for doing this work.
 Each August approximately ten to twelve volunteer act as timekeepers for Loggers Sports
in Campbell River; MARS is reimbursed for their time.
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Another much valued and hard working volunteer sells a large portion of our raffle tickets; sales
of which earned over $13,000 this year. Of course, it would not be possible to sell raffle tickets if
not for the wonderful prizes donated by local businesses, and artists. You will find our raffle
prize display and volunteers at community events like Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens in the
spring and fall, Music Fest, Fish & Game Club Open House, Canada Day, Loggers Sports in
Campbell River, Comox Valley Fall Fair and Nautical Days.
Special thanks to Lynda Hogkinson and Dianne Pollock for their leadership and creative sparks
in the fundraising committee as well as to Betty and John Robertson, Pat Wagar, Mollie and
Gordon Richardson and all the other very special members of the fundraising committee. You
have worked very hard. During the Christmas holiday season we had a booth at craft fairs in
Fanny Bay and Black Creek, selling raffle tickets and merchandise as well as delicious chocolate
eagle heads made for us by Hot Chocolates.
In January, a “Pub Night” at Whistle Stop Pub in
Courtenay earned about $2700. Another pub event took
place at the Mex Pub on March 6th when Judy and Bruce
Wing organized a pub musical night event to raise
money for MARS.
“Eagles and Fish”, our 7th Annual Eagle Festival was held
February 25 at the Maritime Museum in Campbell River
with more than 600 people attending. BC Hydro is the
core sponsor and this has become one of those special
events that we look forward to every year. Pinecrest School
students made posters that complemented Eagle Radio’s
promotion of the event. Photo Tech – foto source
sponsored the very successful photo contest; Anchor Inn
offered guest accommodation for speakers; Heavenly
Goodies (special eagle cookies) Quality Foods, Superstore,
Domino Pizza and Thriftys all contributed food.
Doris Brockest photo ©
Kelly Lees photo ©
Donations of art and merchandise include an original
painting of the MARS complex by Brian Scott and artwork
by W. Alan Hancock. Business contributors this year also
included Westjet, Wickaninnish Inn and Capital Power. In
addition, we received donations from the Oyster River
Garden Society, Campbell River Search and Rescue,
Campbell River Salmon Foundation and the Rotary Club.
In addition to support from businesses and community groups, individual donations were up
dramatically this year. Your support is very inspiring and encouraging for staff and members of
the Board of Directors. We look forward to another year of working together to keep our
wildlife centre flourishing.
Pearl McKenzie, for the Fundraising and Special Events Committee
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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DIRECTIONS
TO MARS
Area where most
of MARS patients
are from
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