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Islanders raising money for wildlife affected by Australian fires

Islanders’ efforts include a silent auction this weekend and selling limited-edition koala prints
A limited number of koala prints are for sale to raise money for fire-affected wildlife in Aus.
A limited number of koala prints are for sale to raise money for fire-affected wildlife in Aus.

In B.C., and probably even more on beautiful islands such as Bowen, we are particularly concerned with the protection of our nature and wildlife. So it is not really a surprise that we feel so concerned about the tragedy that Australia now faces.

It is hard to fathom the extent of the destruction. On January 7, it was estimated that more than 32,000 square miles of land was burned, which is about 80 times the size of the area burned in California last summer.

A limited number of koala prints are for sale to raise money for fire-affected wildlife in Aus.
A limited number of koala prints are for sale to raise money for fire-affected wildlife in Aus. - Submitted

Already 1 billion of wild animals have perished. Many have been rescued but they will need long-term care and their future is very compromised with so much of their habitat destroyed. And the current forecasts anticipate that the existing bushfires will continues to burn at their current scale or higher until at least March 2020.

Our veterinarian Midge Ritchie and I have partnered to help raise money for the wildlife affected by the bushfires in Australia. While Midge is having an auction on Feb. 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., I have drawn this lovely Koala and a limited edition of 80 prints is for sale on my website (www.cyrillesaura.com).

The proceeds will go to the Brad Pattinson Animal Rescue team who is going over to Australia to help. They will use the money to buy bandages, cream and other products needed to take care of the wounded animals.

Your help is greatly appreciated so visit my website and purchase a Koala print or stop anytime at the veterinarian office in Artisan square to make a donation. Thank you.