Postal strike creating hardship for Birds of Prey Foundation

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on December 14, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

The Canada Post strike is taking a significant financial toll on the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale.
Typically, 75 per cent of the Foundation’s annual donations arrive by mail between late November and Dec. 31.
But with more than half of the critical Christmas donation period already over, contributions have plummeted by 85 per cent. This could translate into a loss of more than $100,000.
For a small non-profit that receives no government operating subsidies, this will be a significant obstacle to overcome, says Foundation managing director Colin Weir.
“We depend on Canada Post to deliver almost 1,000 newsletters to our supporters, most of whom are based in Alberta and across Canada. It is now unlikely our December newsletters will reach our donors in time,” says Weir.
“Many of our donors are older and rather than use online methods, prefer to mail their annual donation in December. With less than three weeks left until December 31st, this is already a serious problem for us.”
Even though the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation is a charity it still has significant expenses to operate the facility, especially during the winter and spring. For example in the coming months, in addition to other expenses, the Foundation will incur more than $40,000 in costs just to keep the heat running in its buildings, and for its annual insurance premiums. And it needs funds to pay core staff
Weir says the foundation’s only options without financial support are to borrow from its own funds that are intended to be used for capital/building projects which will delay them indefinitely or possibly even permanently. Other options include taking out short-term bank loans and trying to repay them in future years or cut back on current hours for hourly staff.
It could end up in the position where it has to delay the spring opening and cut back programs that are offered to schools when the centre traditionally opens in May.
“”Whoooo” (no pun intended) would have thought that a postal disruption could endanger local wild owls and jeopardize environmental education programs for children,” asks Weir.
As a volunteer-driven wildlife rescue organization, the foundation relies heavily on the generosity of individual donors. This decline in contributions poses a serious challenge to its mission of rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds of prey, as well as possibly delaying capital building projects currently underway.
This year, the foundation’s 2024 fundraising efforts were already hindered by unforeseen challenges. Weir was sidelined during the busiest months of the year due to a severe case of mononucleosis. His illness not only prevented their summer fundraising appeal, but also led to the cancellation of several off-site bird display events across southern Alberta, which also generate essential income.
In addition to wildlife rescue, the Centre serves as an educational hub, hosting school groups from across southern Alberta. As a summer tourist destination, it draws visitors from all over the world, contributing to southern Alberta’s tourism economy. The Centre is set to reopen for its 2025 tourist season on May 18th.
As a registered charity, the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation issues tax receipts for all donations.
Until the postal strike is over, supporters can contribute via the Foundation’s website at http://www.burrowingowl.com, by phone at 403-331-9520, or through e-transfer to info@burrowingowl.com. This support ensures that the Foundation’s vital work can continue, safeguarding Alberta’s owls, eagles, hawks and falcons and inspiring future generations.

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