PRINCE GEORGE, BC- The Prince George Cougars are asking for the assistance of the public as they begin campaigning to raise $22,000 to help save cougar Helena, a 3 year old cougar who was rescued by residents after the Kelowna wildfires in April of 2003, and sent to a Smithers rehabilitation centre for care.
Earlier this week, the Cougars “adopted” Helena and have already made a $1500 donation to jump start the campaign. The Cougars 50/50 Society has donated an additional $500 to bring their total to $2000. In combination with the $5640 already received through community donations, a grand total of $7640 has been collected to help save Helena. “It is a privilege to be involved in securing a safe environment for Helena. We are honoured to be supporting this campaign”, states Cougars Business Manager Brandi Brodsky.
Along with their media partners 99.3 The Drive, and 101.3 The River, the Cougars are encouraging all community members to become active in this initiative.
Funds collected will be used to build a new permanent enclosure for Helena. As per government regulations, the new facility will consist of steel posts and a 6 gauge chain link fence. If $22,000 is not raised within 3 months, authorities have indicated that Helena will have to be killed.
Northern Lights Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (NLWRS) receives no government funding and has only been a non-profit society for the past 3 years. Over the last 16 years, they have been responsible for saving hundreds of animals, including bears, deer, and moose. Your help is needed. The NLWRS hopes to be able to find a major sponsor to help achieve their goal of raising $22,000. As a thank you, the sponsor would be recognized by having their name appear on Helena’s new enclosure.
If you would like to get involved, please visit the Cougars website at www.pgcougars.com. From the menu bar, choose "Help Save Helena”. Inside you will have access to pictures of orphan cougar Helena, general details of the campaign, and information on how you can make a donation. Cash or cheque donations to the Northern Lights Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can be made at the Cougars office. All donations will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
For more info on how you can help save Helena, please contact Cougars Business Manager Brandi Brodsky @ 561-0783 or call NLWRS representative Angelika Langen @ 250-847-5101.
