Celebrating 40 years, the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre is the only rehabilitation centre exclusively dedicated to wild birds in the region. Open for bird admissions 365 days a year, the Centre treats more than 4,000 birds annually, including over 175 different species, many of which are endangered or threatened.
Our mission is to assess, treat, and rehabilitate injured, ill, or orphaned wild birds for the purpose of releasing them back into their natural habitats. Most birds admitted to our Centre suffer from human-caused disturbances including vehicle and window impacts, cat attacks, and nesting disruptions. Our education programs are available to people of all ages, especially youth, exploring the natural history, conservation, and rehabilitation of wild birds.
At a glance:
Year founded: 1981
Total revenue for last fiscal year: $587,158
Facebook: /WildBirdCareCentre
Instagram: @WildBirdCareCentre
Twitter: @WildBirdOttawa
Top funding sources:
- Individual donations: 86%
- Corporate: 3%
- Government: 3%
- Other charities: 7%
- Other: 1%
Geographic region of focus: Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Region
How you can help
Give
Wild bird populations are in decline. Nearly 3 billion birds have been lost over the past 50 years! Various human-related activities have led to the twin crises of species collapse and climate change which negatively impact the very ecosystems we depend on to survive. We need to act now for the birds of today and tomorrow! Every wild bird saved is a victory for its species and for nature conservation.
As the costs to rehabilitate and save thousands of wild birds steadily increases, your contributions will help us achieve two essential goals:
Building Campaign: We are in the final stretch of our campaign and actively seeking community support of all kinds to reach the finish line! Consider lending your family or business name to a room or aviary. Naming opportunities are available and all gifts of $500 or more will be recognized in a permanent display. Help us outfit our build with solar panels, x-ray, and other specialized equipment for an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.
General Fund: Join our dedicated community of bird-enthusiasts by contributing to a campaign, making a monthly gift, a major gift, or planned gift to support our vital life-saving work. Join our vision to build a highly skilled team and fund essential resources to ensure that more wild birds survive and return to nature for a second chance at life.
Volunteer
Volunteers are integral to our operations and perform a variety of rewarding tasks both on and off site. If you would like to assist our dedicated team in caring for hundreds of wild birds, please email volunteer@wildbirdcarecentre.org for available opportunities.
Are you passionate about birds, have previous charitable board experience, and possess a unique set of skills that could help us reach our future goals? Positions are currently available on our board of directors. Please contact juliette@wildbirdcarecentre.org for more information.
Partner
Let us become your corporate charity of choice and collaborate with you to align your brand with our bird-loving community. We are open to explore partnerships and customize unique sponsorship opportunities to meet your marketing and social impact needs. Contact sandras@wildbirdcarecentre.org today to find out how together, we can provide life-saving services and impact the future of wild bird conservation in the Ottawa Valley and beyond.
Events and fundraising
Baby Bird Campaign: Every spring the Centre explodes with over 2,500 injured and orphaned baby birds that require medical care, specialized diets, warm incubators, and frequent hand feedings. This campaign ensures that vulnerable baby birds get a second chance at life.
Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Walk: Each fall our supporters take a walk, for the birds! Many birds, unable to migrate, will spend the winter in our care. With virtual and in-person activities, this interactive campaign engages people of all ages and helps raise awareness for the Centre.
Open House: Join our valued supporters each fall for a special onsite experience. Our volunteers will take you on a guided tour of our unique facility and answer your wild bird questions. Enjoy educational displays, live avian ambassadors and light refreshments.
Board members and executives
Sandra Sawers
Executive director
Juliette Marczuk
Chair
Ted Yuzyk
Vice-chair
Eric Garrison
Treasurer
Susan Phillips
Secretary
Barbara Adams
Director
Robert Burns
Director
Murray Kronick
Director
Christina Zeigler
Director
Funding priorities
Together, we have an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a new wild bird hospital and education centre in the Ottawa Region that will better serve the needs of Eastern Ontario. On track to building our 1.7 million dollar advanced wild bird care facility, we have reached 76% of our goal and are eagerly awaiting to break ground. Our ‘state of the art’ facility will improve the standard of care and increase an injured bird’s chances for survival back in the wild. This critical project will meet our region’s increasing demand for emergency and rehabilitative wild bird care now and well into the future.
Get in touch
