Timely donation gives wildlife shelter a lifeline

Shelter owner Kylee Donkers said she was “absolutely blown away” when she learned of the donation.

“I had actually just done up an order of all our milk formulas, supplements and things, and I said to James, my husband, ‘I’m not sure where we’re going to get this money,’” she said.

“It was almost to the dollar — $1500 — and that’s what their donation was, so I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason.”

Kylee thanked the bank for its “incredible support”, which enabled the shelter to purchase specialised formulas and feed for wildlife currently in care.

“From tiny orphaned joeys and possums to injured birds and other precious native animals, these essential supplies help us provide the best possible care during rehabilitation,” she said.

Kylee also thanked Rob Hawthorn at Southern Refrigerated Transport in Strathmerton, who collected the order in Sydney and transported it to the shelter free of charge.

“Community support like this truly makes a difference and allows us to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for our beautiful Australian wildlife every single day,” she said.

The Community Donation Program has operated nationwide for the past eight years and has supported hundreds of grassroots organisations across Australia.

Cobram branch manager Nicky Sangwell said the branch was proud to support the work of Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter.

“Through our Community Donation Program, our branches have seen first hand how this support helps local organisations extend their reach and continue delivering vital services,” she said.

“Our teams live and work in the community and have a strong understanding of local needs and the organisations responding to them.

“The work Dutch Thunder Wildlife does to support with its 24-hour emergency rescue service for sick, injured and orphaned native Australia animals has a meaningful impact on people across our local community.”