By ALEXANDRA KING
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DURING its busiest time of the year, the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) is calling on the Orange community to help it raise much-needed funds tomorrow.
The central west group, which stretches from Lithgow to Canowindra, Oberon and Mudgee and receives from 1000 to 1500 calls a year, is hosting a trivia night at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, which volunteer Jane Passer hopes will bring in enough money to keep the group afloat during spring.
Approximately 66 to 70 per cent of calls result in animals needing care or relocation, and Ms Passer said without donations volunteers were left to pick up the costs of caring for wildlife.
“It costs up to $1000 to care for a joey. If one comes in around six months of age they will need care for another 10 months. It’s a long procedure,” Ms Passer said.
“It’s very time-consuming, and you’ve got to be passionate about it. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of the vets in Orange who do not charge for consultations, but we are usually left to pick up the costs of medication, food, equipment, petrol and phone bills.”
Orange’s 10 active members each have specialised training to look after small mammals, reptiles, birds, bats and flying foxes and larger mammals like wombats and kangaroos, and must follow strict guidelines on releasing animals within 100 metres of where they were found.
The central west group hope to raise $2500 from event, which includes a raffle, wine coin toss and $2000 in prizes donated from Orange businesses.
“I can guarantee 90 per cent of people will walk away with a prize of some kind. We’ve got 50 items in a silent auction and first prize is worth $1000,” Ms Passer said.
“Like any volunteering group, we do our work without little or no recognition, so this is a great opportunity for the community to show their support.”
Tickets are $20 each, include canapes and can be purchased before the event from the club, Ms Passer on 0411 186 683 or on the door on the night.
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au