Macedon Ranges local opens op shop to help injured wildlife carers and shelters

After seeing the devastating effect the summer bushfires had on wildlife, Sandy Howe decided to take action in her own small part of the world. Key points: Sandy Howe can't look after the animals herself, so she's using her work skills to help raise money Many wildlife rescues are self-funded by volunteers and groups that rely on donations During COVID-19 the shop has closed, but funds were raised in the short time it was open Last month she opened an op shop at Woodend in the Macedon Ranges with the aim of providing financial support to regional wildlife rescue centres, carers and shelters. "I've got such an array of donations — I've got silver cutlery, vintage clothing — I can't tell you how humbled I am by the quality of the donations that are coming in," she said. "The people that are caring for these animals see terrible things on a day-to-day basis; I think my shop has hit the heart of a lot of people who want to support our wildlife." "She rang us and said we were the first shelter she wanted to donate to — it was completely out of the blue," Ms Zabinskas said "People don't realise that wildlife rescue is self-funded by volunteers and groups that rely on donations.