Bird refuge taking flight for gala

A Hudson avian rehabilitation centre is going to the birds next Friday, but they need help to do it.

Le Nichoir, a non-profit wild bird rehabilitation centre offering refuge to sick, injured and orphaned birds for the past 14 years, will host its 13th annual For the Birds gala and auction evening on April 4, at the Hudson Community Centre.

Cocktails will begin at 6 pm, followed by a sit down dinner and silent auction. A live auction of higher-value items and packages will round out the evening. Last year more than 130 guests attended.

Following the 2007 gala, Le Nichoir was able to construct with funds collected an aquatic bird aviary.

They also received a microscope and purchased a centrifuge to do blood work, which is of vital importance in helping understand ailing birds in their natural habitats.

Last summer the centre admitted 1,300 injured, orphaned or sick wild birds, and responded to thousands of telephone calls providing advice and information to the general public.

Tickets are still available for this year’s event, but volunteers are also seeking donations of items to auction.

Money raised will help keep the centre running and support future growth, while some will go toward paying staff salaries – most workers are students from the region – which founder Lynn Miller says can be difficult to cover.

“We especially need staff as our birds have to be fed 12 to 14 hours per day and it is hard to get volunteers to do that,” she said.

This year’s goal is to bring in $30,000, or more.

Josée Bonneville, a volunteer and foundation president says the centre is seeking gift certificates, corporate gifts or donations, antiques from many eras, arts and crafts, collectibles, and more.

“We are looking for many different items to be auctioned off,” she noted.

Le Nichoir will list the names of participating sponsors in a gala auction booklet, their newsletter and on the centre’s website.

For the Birds will be held at the Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre, 394 Main Road, Hudson, on April 4, 2008.

For information or to donate call:450 458-2809.