RESCUE CENTRE OFFERS A LIFELINE TO INJURED WILDLIFE FUNDRAISING COMMUNITY LOOKS FORWARD TO ITS BIG EVENT

[THIS YEAR’S Fundraising Convention will be taking place on 3-4 July, both in-person at the QEII Conference Centre and as a virtual event.

Organised by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF), Fundraising Convention is the largest in-person event for fundraising professionals in the UK, and the one time of year when the sector meets to feel part of a community.

This year’s theme is Connection. It will provide a space to imagine what could be possible; a place to be inspired, discover the latest trends, learn best practices and network with others who understand the challenges and opportunities that a job in fundraising brings. It is a learning opportunity not to be missed.

The in-person ticket allows entry to the QEII Centre and access to in-person networking and content from six learning tracks. It includes:

• Attendance at the plenary session, including keynote speaker

• presentation

• Live interaction during a free choice of track sessions around the

• building

• A mix of in-person fringe activities within and outside the building

• Sponsor insight sessions and access to the multi-stand Expo arena

• Involvement in a community outreach initiative supporting a local

• small charity

• Refreshments and lunch

• Post-event resources from speakers featured during the day In-person delegates attending on 3 July are cordially invited to join peers at an evening reception celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. A reduced-price virtual ticket is also available for those who cannot attend in person.

Paul Laird, the CIoF’s director of learning and volunteering, said in a blog: “Attending my first Convention last year introduced me to new expressions of the warmth, openness and determination of this community, so it's a joy to be involved in shaping Convention 2023. It's clearer than ever that many fundraisers love to connect with each other and value the sense of belonging this brings. It's what drives our excellent Convention Board volunteers and our passionate staff team to deliver a first-class experience for everyone attending.

“I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to meeting both inperson and virtual delegates. Staying connected, having each other’s backs, and focusing on the future are drivers that have never been more important. Fundraising Convention will showcase talent, inspire and motivate, and further build community. I hope to see you there.”

For more information and to book places at both the in-person and virtual events, visit oif.org.uk/events-and-training/convention/2023 q

[HESSILHEAD WILDLIFE RESCUE TRUST is situated near Beith, in North Ayrshire. It was set up as a charity in 1986, although its founders Andy and Gay had been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife since 1970, when they rescued a fox cub from a gamekeeper and his dogs. As the number of casualties increased year on year, Andy and Gay needed financial and practical help.

Once the trust was set up, new aviaries and enclosures were built. A membership scheme proved popular and many volunteers were recruited. The centre now occupies a 20-acre site, including woodland, marsh and open water. That gives a variety of release sites for its patients.

Approximately 3,500 wildlife casualties are now treated each year, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Among the many hedgehogs, foxes and familiar garden birds there are deer, otters, badgers and seals. All have been rescued and are rehabilitated. In addition, swans are treated regularly, along with buzzards, peregrines, herons and sea birds.

The centre operates a 24-hour rescue service and there are more than 60 enclosures and aviaries, a hedgehog hospital, a seal/swan unit and intensive care facility. It also offers training courses on the handling, care and treatment of wildlife casualties.

Spring and summer are especially busy, with hundreds of nestling birds being hand reared. Care is taken to rear all youngsters with minimum human contact. That prevents wild birds and mammals becoming too used to people, so giving them a good chance of survival in the wild.

Hessilhead is primarily a voluntary organisation. Its volunteers help in many ways: fundraising, building and maintenance, driving patients to the centre and daily cleaning and feeding. q