Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center Inspires the Evening LINC Program

On July 9, classes in the evening LINC program participated in an interactive presentation on local wildlife, hosted by Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center Society (EWCS). EWCS community educator, Brenda Rost, brought many photographs and authentic props to display the vast array of wildlife the care center has been rehabilitating since Elizabeth Melnick founded the Abbotsford EWCS emergency clinic in 1986.

Volunteers from the audience took turns assisting Rost with various demonstrations that showed the distinguishing features of local species—such as birds, geese, and turtles—and the hazards of litter “in their living room”, particularly the garbage left behind in popular parks like Mill Lake. Rost highlighted how animals get injured by our plastic litter and what we can do if we see an injured animal.

 Many students said the presentation was “really great” and “important information.” Paramjeet, a LINC 4 student, noted that the presentation “encouraged us to support wildlife rescue centers and spread awareness.” Mohammad, a LINC 3 student, wrote, “with kindness, awareness, and cooperation, we can create a better world for all living beings. Animals and birds are our silent friends. If we see them injured or sick, helping them is a sign of our humanity and sense of responsibility”. Across the program, the popular event led to thoughtful follow-up questions and reflections. One inspired student signed up to volunteer.

We’d like to thank the Center and Brenda Rost for their informative and interactive presentation. For more information on Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center, visit their official website at: https://www.elizabethswildlife.ca/

This post was written by LINC Teacher Karla Hiltermann and edited by Kendra Thompson.