If you missed it last year, there's still time to go wild in the Moose Mountains, as Moose Mountain Recoup and Release Wildlife Rescue (Moose Mountain R n R) holds their second annual 'Moose Mountain Gone Wild!' fundraising evening Saturday, Oct. 1 at Kenosee Lake's Red Market Barn.
This year's event begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by Ben Dubois' “famous roast beef supper” at 6:00 p.m., a live auction at 6:45 p.m. and music by Chris Byrne, Lorri Solomon-Matthewson and Wool Tree Grove at 8 p.m.
“Like last year, this year only 200 tickets will be sold,” says Cheryl Winkler, certified wildlife rehabilitator and Moose Mountain R n R founder. “We were overwhelmed by the support we received last year. We are looking forward to hosting 'Moose Mountain Gone Wild!' for the second year.”
Tickets for last year's fundraiser sold quickly, and Winkler encourages attendees to purchase tickets for the 2016 event soon. Prices remain the same, with single tickets at $50 and corporate tables of eight at $400-and tax receipts will be issued for the latter.
Moose Mountain Recoup and Release is located on the border of Moose Mountain Provincial Park, near Kenosee Lake's Red Market Barn. The three-acre facility is also where Winkler's home is located, as well as structures that house each animal and bird species separately- well apart from each other's temporary homes.
“Our ultimate goal is to release healthy animals and birds back into the wild once they are able to survive in their natural environment again,” says Winkler. “We limit human interaction with the animals and birds we rehabilitate, and that's the reason why.”
“I'm the person who does all of the feeding, for that reason.”
Winkler says the work is “365 days a year” and says caring for animals and birds “is innate” for her.
“Sometimes, I wish it wasn't,” she adds. “But this has always been a part of me.”
However, operating expenses quickly add up, in spite of Winkler's dedication and the help she receives from a faithful cadre of volunteers who assist with tasks other than feeding the rescued animals and birds.Wildlife rehabilitation costs range from $10 per week for a duckling to $200 per week for a moose. To cite one example, each animal is often fed a special formula which contains nutrients suitable for their species.
“We give tax receipts for any donation over $20 and we also accept in-kind donations of all types: food, household items like garbage bags, paper towels, laundry soap and bleach, lumber, newspapers... ,” says Winkler. “We've got a whole list on our website.”
“We also accept regular meat, game meat and produce. Sometimes people are just cleaning out their fridge or freezer and just drop stuff off that they don't want anymore; but it's still good for us to use.”
“But we'd be thrilled if people can come out to support us on Oct. 1,” she adds.
At last year's inaugural fundraiser, Winkler told the 200 people in attendance: “It's mind-boggling what the community has done. There's an amazing group of people standing behind me, helping to make this all happen.”
For tickets, call (306)-577-4809. To learn more, visit www.moosemountainrnr.org or check out Moose Mountain R n R on Facebook.
