The Atlantic Wildlife Institute (AWI), the province\u2019s only charity animal rehabilitation centre, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.<\/p>\n
AWI Director Pam Novak says COVID-19 makes celebrating difficult, but she\u2019s \u201choping that going into the summer [they] can have some outreach events happen on their own site.\u201d Although she is \u201cpretty realistic\u201d and will keep events \u201clow-key\u201d for safety reasons.<\/p>\n
As for highlights, Novak says she is just \u201cquite proud of the fact that we\u2019re here\u201d after 25 years.<\/p>\n
She and AWI\u2019s executive director, Barry Rothfuss (who is currently on medical leave), provide services for the local wildlife as well as the surrounding community.<\/p>\n
As for Rothfuss\u2019s current absence, Novak says he expected to be back on the job by the summertime.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a temporary setback,\u201d says Novak. \u201cHe\u2019s progressing. He\u2019s healing and doing well\u2026he\u2019s not going anywhere anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another bright spot on the Atlantic Wildlife Institute\u2019s horizon is their March break kids\u2019 camp coming up.<\/p>\n
The camp hopes to pull kids away from screens and teach them to respectfully engage with local flora and fauna.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe very strongly believe in the fact that both children, youth, and adults can have a better respect for our environment\u2026If we just offer more reasons for people to be outdoors, and to to learn about being outside, and to learn different skills, and to get away from computer screens.\u201d<\/p>\n
Novak says any interested parents should act fast, as spots are limited due to COVID-19 and filling up.<\/p>\n
Anyone looking to make a donation in the name of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute\u2019s 25th anniversary can do so by visiting their\u00a0website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hear this story as reported by CHMA:<\/p>\n\n