The Moose Mountain Recoup and Release centre is scheduled to hold its 4th annual trail ride fundraiser event on Oct. 5-6 in Saskarie, SK.
Moose Mountain Recoup and Release is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre located on the border of Moose Mountain Provincial Park. It seeks to provide care to animals that are abandoned, injured or ill with hopes to return them to the wild. The fundraiser will see riders being asked to raise a minimum of $25 in pledges per person. Riders with the top three pledge totals will be awarded prizes. The event kicks off on Saturday with a breakfast at 8 a.m. and riders leave the camp grounds at 10 a.m. returning at 4 p.m. for supper which is scheduled for 5 p.m. This is then followed by a silent auction and presentations. Sunday's breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. and riders are scheduled to leave at 11 a.m. The riders will return at 3p.m. when the day's activities will wind down at 4 p.m. during supper.
Tickets are $45 for participants who wish to take part for one day and while two days come at a cost of $80. Those 13 years and under will pay $20 and $30 for one and two days respectively. Tickets include breakfast and supper; however the centre asks that all registrations be made by Oct 1.
When wildlife rescue comes to mind people tend to think of polar bears, wolves and seals but the centre has been paying attention to some less loved animals. From raccoons and squirrels to coyotes and foxes Moose Mountain Recoup and Release is giving attention to members of our eco-system that are still relevant. The centre was founded eight years ago by Cheryl Winkler who said she has been taking in orphan animals for most of her life. It was a need at the time she said, she contacted the government seeking help for a young raccoon but regrettably there was nothing available. Since then, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan has been formed but Winkler said a lot of wildlife still comes through her centre. She explained that the fundraiser plays a major role in her yearly operation.
"The fundraiser is very importantwithout it we would be in dire straits; we're the only rehab centre in southeast Saskatchewan so we take in a huge area. We're licensed by the government but we're not funded by the government so every donation is appreciated and helps carry us through to another year," she said
The centre plans to expand its facility and keep up the care of its animals. Rae-Lyn Bax, one of organizers of the fundraiser said she has sent out letters to various organizations in hopes of gaining sponsorship towards their endeavour. In the letter she detailed the centre's plan and what they hope to achieve with the fundraiser.
"This application concerns the 4th Annual Moose Mountain Recoupe and Release Fundraiser Trail Ride for the purposes of providing funding for Moose Mountain Recoupe and Release. Our goal this year is to provide enough funding for the expansion and maintenance of wildlife enclosures, as well ongoing care for wildlife at MMRR. Should our goals be met, more wildlife can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild," the letter stated.
According to the centre's website their service is for the "wildlife of Saskatchewan and the people, as they are educated to value, respect and co-exist with all life." It also described their success as being measured with pride when animals are released back into the wild. For those who are interested and wish to register or just want to make a donation Rae-Lyn Bax can be contacted at 306-575-7049 or Cheryl Winkler at 306-577-4809 for more information.
