Co-op is pitching in to make the Wildlife Haven Education Centre’s new facility come to life. The Wildlife Haven Education Centre in Ile des Chênes has received a $125,000 donation through Co-op Community Spaces, a funding program supporting recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture projects.
The funds will support the construction of the organization’s new $2.5 million facility in which visitors will learn about the importance of wildlife preservation, conservation and nature. The site will host wildlife education programs that will also be broadcast to remote schools and communities. The finished grounds will house a fruit orchard and a naturalized wetland pond that will be stocked with fish.
“This generous gift from Co-op puts us a step closer to realizing our dream of a permanent facility to help rescue, rehabilitate and release more injured and orphaned wildlife,” said Judy Robertson, President with Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. “It will also help us educate more people about safe and healthy wildlife interaction through a classroom or distance learning setting.”
In 2017, with Canada 150 just around the corner, individual projects were eligible to receive up to $150,000 through Co-op Community Spaces. In total, 27 organizations are being supported through the program this year. Combined, these groups, which include non-profits, charities and community service co-operatives, have received $2 million for their community projects.
“Co-op Community Spaces is an exciting program that is making a difference across Western Canada and we’re delighted to see it come to Ile des Chênes,” said Henry Nickel, General Manager with Ste. Anne Co-op. “Ste. Anne Co-op is supported and owned by members and customers throughout southeast Manitoba, so it’s important that we give back and make investments in our community and people, which is what Co-op Community Spaces is all about.”
Since launching in 2015, Co-op Community Spaces has provided $4.5 million to more than 60 projects across western Canada.
