UPEI’s Giving Tuesday campaign supports AVC Wildlife Service

The University of Prince Edward Island is participating in Giving Tuesday on November 29, an international day of giving that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

This year’s campaign focuses on raising funds to support the AVC Wildlife Service at UPEI. An anonymous donor has offered to become UPEI’s “Matching Funds Partner” for the campaign. All donations made on Giving Tuesday for the AVC Wildlife Service will be matched up to $10,000, doubling the impact.

The AVC Wildlife Service provides a valuable educational and public service by treating injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife on Prince Edward Island—everything from tiny saw-whet owls and songbirds to foxes and eagles. Veterinary students play an essential role in caring for the animals that are brought to the service, gaining invaluable education and experience in wildlife medicine.

A recent case that illustrates the excellent work performed by the service is that of a male eagle found on the ground in October 2021. After being hit by a car, the eagle, known as eagle 450, was paralyzed and had ground-breaking spinal surgery at AVC in November 2021. The surgery was successful, and the eagle can now perch and fly short distances. Permanent wing injuries prevent it from flying long distances, so it cannot be released into the wild. It will live at the Hope for Wildlife rehabilitation centre in Nova Scotia.

UPEI is grateful for people who give back through donations, volunteering, and genuine acts of kindness on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year. To donate in support of the AVC Wildlife Service, visit upei.ca/donate or call 902-894-2888.

For more information, visit upei.ca/friends/giving-tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering. As the “opening day of the giving season,” it is a time when charities, companies, and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit givingtuesday.ca