Submitted by Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Recently, we contacted West Mechanical, with whom we have a service agreement, to inspect the walk-in freezer/refrigerator because we noticed it was having issues with keeping things frozen. Upon inspection, they determined that major components need to be replaced to keep both the freezer and the refrigerator operational. This repair is crucial for maintaining the necessary conditions to store food for the animals in our care, especially the frozen fish required for our Harbor Seal Pup program.

Without the freezer, we would be forced to make weekly trips to Bellingham Cold Storage to retrieve frozen fish we store on the mainland. Given the current challenges with the ferry system, this would be highly problematic and logistically challenging. Additionally, we would need to purchase smaller freezers to store the fish upon arrival, which would only be temporary solutions and not sustainable in the long term.

Repairing the freezer is urgently needed to ensure the continued success of our rehabilitation programs and the welfare of the animals in our care. While NOAA was able to provide funding for the initial purchase over 20 years ago through the Prescott Grant Program, that option is no longer available to us. Therefore, we are reaching out to you for assistance.

Wolf Hollow is raising money for this project as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2024 SJI Cares County Fair Giving Campaign. Through this program, the first $1,000 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the Community Foundation. Wolf Hollow is also eligible for up to $2,500 in bonus grants awarded throughout the fair.

To be eligible for matching funds, donations to the FHDS must be made during the four days of the 2024 County Fair– Aug. 15–18. Donors can contribute in person at the SJICF fair booth, online at sjicares.org, by phone to SJICF at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check payable to SJICF (dated between Aug. 15–18) with Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in the memo line to P.O. Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The Community Foundation will grant the raised funds to Wolf Hollow following the County Fair.

Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was started in 1983 in Friday Harbor, Washington. Wolf Hollow has cared for injured wildlife rescued from all the San Juan Islands, outer islands, mainland and North Whitbey Island for forty-one years. Over 20,000 injured or orphaned wildlife have been helped at Wolf Hollow. Your donation will help Wolf Hollow continue our mission to promote the well-being of wildlife and their habitats through rehabilitation, public education, and non-invasive research.