Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation is urging all Australians to consider how they can use their digital skills to help animals in need. WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc.) is using National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to launch its new Digital Wildlife Ambassadors program - www.wildlifeambassadors.org.au “This program is a way for people who cannot rescue and care wildlife directly, to support our work in a very valuable way,” said WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor.
“By sharing content online, through social media platforms and networks, we can spread the word about the essential role that WIRES plays in the community and help to educate people about better caring for our wildlife,” she said.
"Getting involved in WIRES is a way for people to make a difference, and not feel so helpless."
With less than five per cent of WIRES' funding coming from the state government, the not-for-profit service relies on donations and volunteers to handle more than 250,000 calls for help each year.
“National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our volunteers and supporters and the six million Australians who volunteer their time and expertise to charitable organisations such as WIRES,” said Ms Taylor.
“It’s also the ideal time to put out the call to animal lovers of all ages who would like to get involved as a Digital Wildlife Ambassador. Please join us in helping to spread the word that our wildlife is important.”
"It is a vital service, not only for the animals but for people as well – it is very distressing to find an injured animal or an orphan and not know what to do with it," Ms Lewis said.
"Getting involved in WIRES is a way for people to make a difference, and not feel so helpless."
With less than five per cent of WIRES' funding coming from the state government, the not-for-profit service relies on donations and volunteers to handle more than 250,000 calls for help each year.
“National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our volunteers and supporters and the six million Australians who volunteer their time and expertise to charitable organisations such as WIRES,” said Ms Taylor.
“It’s also the ideal time to put out the call to animal lovers of all ages who would like to get involved as a Digital Wildlife Ambassador. Please join us in helping to spread the word that our wildlife is important.”
This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust.