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Local student Gaelen Schnare helping to help injured birds

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
June 22nd, 2014

Gaelen Schnare may be young, but nothing is going to stop this Wildflower school student from achieving a goal of helping injured birds in the area.

Schnare is raising funds to help Tammy Swan of Salmo achieve the CWR; Canadian Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Certification through the IWRC (International Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Council) and at the same time help injured raptors.

Swan is a a licensed falconer (class 1 and 2).

“I have knowledge specialising in raptors and some equipment for the job —  ongoing costs, peer and community support and networking —  are essential tools for a successful rescue and rehabilitation, and of course, eventual release. To do this, requires a CWR certification,” Swan explained during a recent fundraiser at the Kootenay Co-op.

“Gaelen came up with the idea for the fundraiser after I visited his classroom with Don Quixote (injured owl) for an educational talk . . .. he wanted so desperately to help injured birds like Don Quixote.”

Some of Swan’s expenses include gas, syringes, tsharps, lactated ringers, latex gloves, mice, rats, permits, paper, printer ink, laundry soap, towels, virkon, doggie crates, bandages and building supplies.

After Swan achieves the certification, she will be able to rescue bird and nurse them back into the wild.

“I have to say that I am very humbled by his depth of character and his honest desire to make a difference.  We need more people like him on this planet, and he is truly an inspiration to me.

To date the Schnare and classmates have raised more than $1,000, which included $328 from a yard sale and $450 during the Kootenay Co-op Fundraiser.

Photo Caption: Tammy Swan, holding Don Quixote, stands with Gaelen Schnare during a photo at the Kootenay Co-op.

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