Staff supervisor and volunteer manager, Stephanie Martin, with Jackman, at our June Yard Sale (image courtesy of the Oceanside Star).

Coombs Parrot Refuge holds sales to raise money for expansion plans.

Funding and sustainability issues plague the Refuge:

The Province: Nanaimo parrot refuge seeks funds by end of March to keep operating

The World Parrot Refuge, based near Nanaimo, desperately needs funds by the end of March to continue caring for its flock of 700 birds.

Refuge co-founder Wendy Huntbatch said the economic turmoil is only partly to blame for the centre's dire financial position.

Huntbatch said parrot owners are surrendering their pets more often -- more than 15 birds have arrived since January -- and visitors have dwindled. Heavy snowfall also forced the centre's closure during what would normally be a busy time.

Victoria's Times Colonist: Financial woes put Island parrot refuge in jeopardy

Huntbatch, a lifelong animal welfare advocate, said she can't accept a worst-case scenario if the centre runs out of money. It has provided a home for life for parrots since it first opened on Vancouver Island with 400 birds in 2004.

"I have no idea what would happen. I haven't faced it yet," said Huntbatch. "We simply cannot shut down. You just suddenly get to a point where it's like, 'Oh my God, [money] is not there.'

It costs about $300,000 each year to operate the massive facility that allows the parrots to fly in large enclosures designed to emulate natural surroundings. Care for each parrot costs about $500 but medical bills can drive that cost up."

Canada.com: Flood of surrendered birds, lack of funds threatens Island refuge

The World Parrot Refuge has room to house the unusually steady stream of extra birds that arrive each week, but not the money to pay for their care.

The Coombs sanctuary desperately needs funds by the end of March to continue caring for the flock of 700 birds. The B.C. Gaming Commission provides money but that endowment dropped about $15,000 this year in an economic downturn that refuge co-founder Wendy Huntbatch believes is to blame for the centre's woes.

Parrot owners are surrendering their pets more often -- more than 15 birds have arrived since January -- and visitors have dwindled, and donations with them.

We've been so fortunate to have the Refuge featured prominently in the media recently. Our founder, Wendy Huntbatch, appeared on television on CTV Canada AM this morning to discuss the problems associated with keeping intelligent, long-lived parrots as pets, and the work we do at the Refuge to care for these birds who, through no fault of their own, can no longer live with their human flock and have nowhere else to go. The CTV Canada AM feature, with a link to a video of the interview, may be found here.

Last week, the Refuge also featured in a wonderful article in the Life section of the Globe and Mail newspaper. You may read Cinda Chavich's article online here.

These features have been terrific for raising the profile of the plight of our parrots, but there is still so much to be done to secure the future. Please visit the help us page to see if there's anything you can do to help the beautiful birds of the World Parrot Refuge. Together, we are making a difference.

The cost of caring for a healthy bird at the Refuge is $500 per year. This ensures access to things we often take for granted - a varied and healthy diet, clean shelter, warmth, light, safety, and skilled medical care when needed. As you can appreciate, the cost of caring for one of our many special needs residents, who often have large medical expenses, is much more.

By virtually adopting a parrot, you help us to provide him or her with a happy, healthy "Home for Life". We understand there's only so much people can give. Every contribution - no matter how small - helps, and is tax deductible. Regular contributions help with ongoing costs. By clicking on the "Donate Now" button on the top right corner of any page, you can set up a one-time or regular donation using the secure website of CanadaHelps.org, or choose other donation options. Thank you.