And anyone that knows us, also knows that we love a challenge!
Several weeks ago, Joe mentioned our funding shortfall, which
unfortunately, has not improved a great deal in light of the tragic events of September
11th and the increased giving to relief organizations.
Operation Migration pioneered the recovery technique currently being used
to safeguard the Whooping crane from possible extinction. The work that we
are doing right now can't wait for the world crisis to sort itself out. We
need to get these beautiful, endangered cranes to Florida and their new
winter home.
As one of the founding members of the Whooping Crane Eastern
Partnership, OM has a commitment to raise our share of the 1.3 million
dollar budget for this years project. Being the smallest partner in terms of staff, with one of the
largest budgets due to both the nature of our work and the unpredictability
of the weather we face - we are still short on our commitment by just over
$17,000.00. Unfortunately, due to the poor weather we have encountered since
departing Necedah, WI, our expenses are increasing.
To meet our obligation we need to raise this amount by the time the
migration team delivers the birds to Florida.
A very generous friend to OM has stepped forward with an offer
to match each dollar raised between now and the cranes arrival at their
final destination! This means every dollar you donate will be doubled,
giving us twice the chance to meet our goal and cover the additional
expenses incurred during the migration flight. We are asking for your help
- No amount is too small. If you can send $1.00 it will become $2.00. Every
contribution will be doubled!
Your generosity will help cover the following expenses:
$15
Buys one 50lb. bag of crane chow.
$32
Pays for 5000 mealworms for Robo-crane to dispense.
$180
Covers the cost of a water-guzzler unit, which will supply the
cranes with fresh water during their stay in Florida.
$20
Fills the fuel tank of one ultralight aircraft. Each full tank
allows for approximately three hours of flight time. With three trikes
and over 1200 miles between Wisconsin and Florida, this expense adds
up quickly.
$?
Will help pay for the fuel for the ground support vehicles.
$25
Helps feed the crew: While most of our 10 crew members are volunteers, OM tries to assist them with a daily meal budget.
$250
Pays for one complete costume & crane puppet, used by pilots and handlers to help disguise
the human form and train the birds.
$?
Helps cover the costs of film and processing and allows us to keep
posting photographs on this website.
Additionally, this is a multi-year project and we must think of next
year's budget requirements. If you think you can spare $1 or even better $5
just put it into an envelope and mail it to us. Our US & Canadian
addresses are listed below. Or if you prefer, we can process both Visa &
MasterCard contributions - Just call us at 1-800-675-2618.
Please help us meet this very generous challenge... P.S. Another way to help is to email this message to a friend who may be
interested in safeguarding the Whooping crane from extinction. WHOOP IT UP & PASS IT ON!
Thank you, for helping us help the Whooping crane!
Operation Migration Inc.
P.O. Box 280
Blackstock, ON. Canada
L0B 1BO
Operation Migration - USA
P.O. Box 868
Buffalo, NY. 14207
