Mid North Coast Wildlife Rescue group, FAWNA has received a "heart-warming" response to its Food4Wildlife program, with support being received even from overseas.
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FAWN has set up 12 public collection points stocked with free macropod pellets and wild bird seed in the Mid Coast area as part of program.
Collection points are located in Bobin, Forster, Gloucester, Hallidays Point, Manning Point, Nabiac, Old Bar, Rainbow Flat, Taree (2), Tuncurry and Wingham.
Locations and opening hours are available via this LINK
"This program is made possible by the generous public who want to help the wildlife impacted by the region's terrible drought and fires," FAWNA president, Meredith Ryan said.
"We think this is the first time anything like this has been attempted on such a large scale.
"FAWNA covers an 18,000 square kilometre area of operation.
"Donations have been coming in steadily since we announced the program just 18 days ago on November 11.
"It is heart-warming to know how the public, even those overseas, are embracing our concept to help suffering wildlife in their localities."
It has been quite a logistics exercise, Mrs Ryan said.
"We rolled out Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey in the last week and are pleased we now have Mid Coast up and running.
"Special thanks to all the individuals and businesses who are offering collection points.
"Thanks also to MidCoast Council for offering temporary warehousing space."
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FAWNA asks the community to bring their own reused plastic bags and take small quantities to start of the two foods on offer.
"We need to introduce this food slowly and make sure it is being taken by wildlife before putting out more."
Instructions are at the collection points. More food is on order and FAWNA is hunkering down for the long haul, hoping it can keep this program running until the rains come and habitat and wildlife food resources start to recover.
"Water4Wildlife is a way we all can help by placing out safe shallow containers of water for our thirsty birds, animals and reptiles also suffering from these exceptional circumstances of drought and fires. Sticks and rocks to prevent drowning are important."
Mrs. Ryan added a vote of thanks to all the FAWNA volunteers who have stepped up and dealt with everything facing them over this past extra busy time in difficult circumstances.
Wildlife rescue groups throughout the State are offering help to all fire affected areas as well.
Donations of goods from members of the public and organisations have helped the effort and ensured FAWNA now has everything it need.
For more information on FAWNA's work with wildlife go to www.fawna.org.au where you can find details on FAWNA's Food4Wildlife and Nest Box Appeal and how to donate if you want to support this effort to help wildlife battling the effects of drought and now fire.
The licensed wildlife rescue group cautions potential donors to make sure their donated dollars are going to legitimate causes and not to individuals without charity status.
There are many people trying to capitalise on the outpouring of sympathy for wildlife in the fires.
In NSW a Charitable Fundraising Number is required. FAWNA's is CFN11653 and searches can be done on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits website www.acnc.gov.au
To report any wildlife that do need help in Mid Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Kempsey contact the FAWNA 24 hour rescue hotline 6581 4141.
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