Auction Items Needed for Le Nichoir Fundraiser

Le Nichoir – the largest rehab centre for song birds in Canada - urgently needs items to auction off at the 9th Annual “For the Birds” Benefit Dinner and Auction which will be held on Friday April 4.

The centre’s volunteers are appealing to corporations, organizations and the general public to donate items that are suitable for auction. “People like to bid on packages at local places such as La Sucrerie de la Montagne, which in addition to sugar shack activities, has rooms where people can stay overnight,” said event organizer Elise Villeneuve. “Other popular items are valuable works of art or antique furniture. Antiques are very popular in this area.”

In order to continue essential rehabilitation work with injured, orphaned and sick wild birds, Le Nichoir volunteers are hoping to surpass last year’s fundraising total of $35,000. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations. The proceeds of the sale will support the centre’s mission - to care for injured birds and to provide educational activities to the public.

Le Nichoir Wild Bird Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1994 and is a registered non-profit organization. Located for several years in a turn of the century barn in Hudson, a search for a permanent home is ongoing. This winter, the birds are sojourning in temporary quarters according to Lynne Miller, the centre's resident biologist and director.

In 2007, Le Nichoir cared for more than 1,200 injured, orphaned or sick wild birds and answered more than 5,000 phone calls from citizens. Once healed, birds are returned to their natural habitat. Staffed by students in the summer, the day to day activities at the centre are performed by dedicated volunteers who have been known to shelter birds in their homes, especially in the cold season. Le Nichoir does not charge any fees for their services.

A valiant effort aimed to protect a part of our natural heritage for future generations, Le Nichoir is a unique treasure in our region and deserves support. Auction afficiandoes can rest assured that not only are they are contributing to the present global movement for wildlife conservation, but they are bound to acquire some treasures as well.

Tickets, which are limited, can be had by calling 450 458-2809. For more information, contact Susan Wylie (Director) at the same number or go to info@lenichoir.org or www.lenichoir.org