“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill
GROWLS volunteers are drawn from ordinary island people who exhibit extra-ordinary concern for the well-being of wildlife. GROWLS volunteers are required to sign a Waiver of Liability. Our volunteers fall into 3 general categories:
Rescuers are people who are able to see through an animal’s suffering in order to provide it respite. Rescuers are our ‘hands-on’ staff with injured animals and must remain objective during the rescue. No two rescues are ever alike, and our Rescuers are often called upon to improvise and invent during the course of a rescue. To provide a solid background in rescue procedures and techniques, our Rescuers must undergo a ½ day training session before participating in actual rescues. Newly trained Rescuers are ideally paired with an experienced Rescuer for first-time rescues. Animal rescues are a 2-person event, when possible. Safety of the Rescuer takes precedence over safety of the animal.
Transporters are responsible for getting rescued animals to rehabilitation centres for treatment, and for getting recovered animals back home for release. Transportation usually occurs via motor vehicle to/from rehabilitation centres. Ferry, gasoline and incidental costs are borne by GROWLS (retain receipts for member’s cost reimbursement). Transporters do not require ‘hands-on’ with the injured animal. Rescued animals are transported in a cage proportional to the animal’s size. Personal safety of our volunteers is stressed at all times, and all wildlife must be securely contained before transporting. To lessen the animal’s anxiety, transportation should be accomplished in a quiet, comfortable environment (i.e. no loud radio nor conversation, no domestic animals within the vehicle, no extremes of temperature nor air purity – perfumes/smoking stresses the animal – within the vehicle).
Supporters are comfortable with aiding animal rescue, rehabilitation and release by exercising their unique talents (e.g. fund-raising, media & public relations, administrative acumen). GROWLS would quickly collapse without our supporting members.
The residents of Gabriola Island are de facto supporters by their attendance at GROWLS events, attentiveness to island animal lifestyles and actions in preserving island wildlife.
“Volunteers are not paid . . . not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” Mother Teresa