Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge launches critical Giving Tuesday fundraiser

SELKIRK—Since its founding in 2007, Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge has grown from a small initiative into a vital lifeline for thousands of wild animals each year. 

Tucked away on 47 acres of forest and provincially significant wetland near the northeast Lake Erie shoreline, this unique refuge is dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife and returning them to their natural habitats.

SELKIRK—Chantal Theijn founded Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge in 2007. —Haldimand Press photo by Nick Fearns.

This year, the refuge is calling on the community to support its first Giving Tuesday fundraiser on December 3, with a generous donor pledging to match all contributions up to $20,000.

“We are entirely volunteer run, with no paid staff,” said founder Chantal Theijn. “Every dollar raised goes directly to the animals we care for.” 

The funds will help cover essential day-to-day expenses, including feeding animals, vet bills, and utility costs, which are often overlooked by grant opportunities that tend to favor projects with direct human benefits.

The work at Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge is nothing short of transformative. 

What started as a modest plan to rehabilitate 30 animals annually has expanded into a facility that cares for over 3,500 animals every year. These include a wide array of species, from tiny songbirds and squirrels to larger mammals like coyotes and foxes, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey.

Notably, the refuge also runs a vital turtle conservation program to rescue eggs from road-killed females, ensuring that their genetic legacy is preserved.

Despite the refuge’s extraordinary work, its financial challenges are significant. Theijn emphasizes the importance of community support, particularly for operational costs that are difficult to fund through grants. 

“Our feed bills, hydro, and property taxes all need to be paid. People often want to donate to a specific project, but our day-to-day needs are just as critical to keeping this place running,” she explained. 

The Giving Tuesday fundraiser provides a rare opportunity for the public to make a profound impact. With the donor’s matching commitment, the refuge has the potential to raise $40,000 – a significant sum that will directly support the animals in its care.

The refuge operates under strict guidelines to minimize human interaction with wildlife, ensuring that animals remain wild and are prepared for successful reintroduction to their natural environments. Visitors are not allowed, as the presence of people can stress the animals and hinder their recovery. 

For Theijn, the work is both challenging and rewarding. Cases like a porcupine with a severe head injury that made a miraculous recovery underscore the refuge’s commitment to giving every animal the best chance at survival. 

“Seeing animals return to the wild is the most fulfilling part of what we do,” she said.

As Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge looks ahead, its focus remains on providing exceptional care for the animals it serves while expanding its conservation efforts. 

The recently completed wildlife hospital is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and supporters. 

On December 7, the refuge will host a one-time open house from 1-5 p.m., offering donors a chance to see the facility and learn more about its mission.

The Giving Tuesday campaign is a pivotal moment for the refuge. 

“We’re not a huge charity,” Theijn noted. “Raising $40,000 would be monumental for us and would allow us to continue providing critical care to the wildlife that rely on us.”

To support Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge’s Giving Tuesday fundraiser, donations can be made online at  

canadahelps.org/en/charities/hobbitstee-wildlife-refuge/campaign/giving-tuesday-double-your-donations.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings the refuge closer to its goal and helps ensure a future where wildlife in need can find the care they deserve.

For more information about Hobbitstee, visit their website at hobbitstee.com.