Potter League, Norman Bird Sanctuary Win Grants

MIDDLETOWN, RI — The Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Potter League for Animals will collect some money to support programs that help animals, the Rhode Island Foundation said. The grants are coming from the foundation’s Program for Animal Welfare, known as PAW. Funding comes from the Virginia B. Butler Fund, Abbie A. Brougham Memorial Fund, Ginger, Sheba and Susie Carr Fund, Chariho Westerly Animal Rescue League Animal Welfare Fund, Mary Lou Crandall Fund, Julius and Lena DelPapa Memorial Fund, Jeanne Marie Mehmed Fund, Vernon and Mary Pierce Fund, Helen Walker Raleigh Animal Fund, Ilon Sillmon/Sara Andrews Endowment Fund, Vinny Animal Welfare Fund and Dawn, Gregg and Leland Weingeroff Animal Fund.

“The generosity of our donors and the commitment of our partners are expanding humane education, increasing awareness and improving the quality of animal care in Rhode Island,” said Adrian Bonéy, who oversees PAW. “Their work is producing new approaches to animal welfare and humane education across Rhode Island.”

The Norman Bird Sanctuary received $11,000 for its Animal Ambassador Program. The money will buy food, supplies and veterinary care for the animals in its educational programs.

“We deliver, teach and model the highest standard of animal care for the diverse collection of animals that both support and rely on us. They are critical to our experiential learning curriculum for school children and visitors from the community,” said Natasha Harrison, executive director.

Two grants are going to the Potter League. The first one, which is for $25,000, will pay for surgeries on some 500 animals. The operations will be performed in house

The Potter League also received $15,000 to finance campaign coordinator and educator positions for its CoyoteSmarts public education program.

Staff Photo: Margo Sullivan