It’s easy to make a big difference for the smallest among us. And by that, we really mean small.
Austin’s native wildlife, like the baby opossum pictured, have been brought to rehabbers in all shapes and sizes. But those animals all have something in common - they need our help.
This year, Felix Media Solutions (FMS) decided to help by sponsoring local wildlife rehabilitation charity Austin Wildlife Rescue’s “Critter Power Hour,” offering to match up to $5000 in donations made from 8-9 PM on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to the support of generous contributors and members of the Central Texas community, that effort helped to raise more than $10,000 for the organization.
“Funds from this event help us feed and care for these animals and also help us restock for baby season in the early spring. We have to have the formula, medication, and supplies ahead of time because the animals start pouring in all at once,” said Austin Wildlife Rescue Executive Director Hayley Hudnall.
Giving Tuesday, often styled as #GivingTuesday on social media, occurs the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, that day fell on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Giving Tuesday is a movement that sprang up in the wake of Black Friday as a meaningful antidote to consumerism and is meant to encourage charitable giving during the holiday season.
For nonprofits like Austin Wildlife Rescue and the vulnerable animals they care for, the support can be lifesaving.
“Giving Tuesday is so important for AWR,” said Hudnall. “ We continue to care for hundreds of injured wild animals in the winter months with much less revenue. [...] We truly appreciate FMS offering a matching donation during our Critter Power Hour this year. Our supporters always love when we have a match because they know their donation will go twice as far to help the animals.”
FMS has partnered with Austin Wildlife Rescue since 2019, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Austinites in and outside the office. That’s the year the local charity opened a new facility to accommodate the growing needs of Austin’s wildlife. Previously, the nonprofit operated from a three-bedroom home in Austin, with support from local rehabbers who took animals into their own homes. 6.7 acres were purchased in Elgin to house the growing facility and improve upon the organization’s ability to offer care. Despite the new space, the move came with challenges.
“When we had run out of options and didn’t know how (or if) we would have internet at our new rehabilitation facility, FMS offered to help! We would be extremely limited without internet access, so FMS made it possible and donated their time and talents. Since then, they have continued to support AWR in other technical capacities and fundraisers,” said Hudnall.
FMS’s support for Austin Wildlife Rescue is a cornerstone of its efforts to build a better Austin.
CEO Lionel Felix stresses that a path to the sustainable growth of Austin rests on maintaining the quality of life of all Austinites - two-footed or four-footed.
“FMS was founded on principles of giving back to the community and making Austin the best it can be for our clients and neighbors, both through the work we do and through what we do beyond work,” Felix said. “As our community grows and new development occurs, we are displacing wildlife and that wildlife sometimes gets into trouble. Wildlife is a big part of what makes Texas beautiful and unique. It’s a responsibility and a privilege to continue to support the sustainable development of Austin by making sure to support efforts like these.”
To donate to Austin Wildlife Rescue, please visit:
