Wildlife Hospital Dunedin trustees are thrilled with the substantial support of funding agencies and the community, a month before the hospital's planned opening date.
The Wildlife Hospital was awarded a grant of $105,000 in the Otago Community Trust's latest funding round, specifically for the purchase of a digital X-ray machine and a biochemical analyser.
The donation was part of a large funding round, which provided $2.6 million in donations for community groups throughout Otago.
Wildlife Hospital Trust co-chair Andy Cunningham was pleased with the generous donation towards vital equipment for the hospital.
"It is going to be a huge help, and a substantial saving, for us to have this equipment on site,'' he said.
Other important donations towards equipment for the hospital included $5500 from the JL Kellas Trust for two intensive care units, $2500 from the Dunedin Casino Trust for two incubators, and $2500 from the Trusts Community Foundation to cover the cost of core operating software.
"As a trust, we have been blown away by the incredible generosity of these organisations,'' Mr Cunningham said.
"It is very encouraging that they have been willing to take a calculated risk in supporting us, even though we haven't opened our doors yet,'' he said.
The Wildlife Hospital Trust also benefited from funds raised through the charity auction held as part of Otago Polytechnic's Million Dollar Dinner on December 2.
Three hundred guests celebrated the milestone $1 million raised by the annual Charity House initiative during the past 11 years.
The $30,000 raised by the auction was divided between United Way, scholarships for Otago Polytechnic students, and the Wildlife Hospital.
The $10,000 received from the charity auction was added to funds raised by The Star's "Saving Our Native Species'' campaign. This week, the campaign received donations of $1785.84, bringing the total to $41,247.35.
Mr Cunningham was "stoked'' the support for the Wildlife Hospital continued to gain momentum.
"So many organisations and people are keen to get involved. It's great to see,'' he said.
BRENDA.HARWOOD
@thestar.co.nz
How to donate
The Wildlife Hospital Dunedin Trust needs your support to raise at least $60,000 to fund equipment and a vet nurse's salary.
Ongoing funding will also be needed to help pay for medicines, bandages, and other equipment in the hospital's first year.
All donations, large and small, will make a difference.
You can make a bank transfer or set up an automatic payment to account number: 12-3150-0161217-00
To donate online, visit www.wildlifehospitaldunedin.org.nz/donate
Send a cheque to: The Wildlife Hospital Trust, 40 Sutcliffe St, St Clair, Dunedin 9012.
Givealittle: Go to givealittle.co.nz, search for The Wildlife Hospital Dunedin.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
