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MARS seeking designs for commemorative structure

The Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) is asking for design ideas for a permanent structure in order to honour donors involved in the construction of the new wildlife hospital and surrounding facilities.

MARS was bequeathed a significant sum of money by the Michelle Woodrow estate, enabling it to purchase nearly 11 acres in Merville.  The society is now involved in ongoing fundraising to develop the necessary facilities to move on to the land. The goal is to have a functioning animal hospital by 2017.

The community feedback for the facility has been positive and MARS personnel say it is important that the contributors, who make it happen, never be forgotten. It is the reason for the design idea contest.

“We envision that this permanent structure will be something like a donor wall that could be placed inside the entry to our new facility,” said MARS founder Maj Birch. “The donor wall would capture the names of individuals and corporations who have donated funds, materials and labour to construction of the new MARS rehabilitation centre.  Within these constraints of the wall being a permanent structure with historical value, we remain open to the use of materials.”

MARS has been committed to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife for the past 20 years.

“Our greatest wish is that our Valley join us in getting involved in the development of what will certainly be an increasingly important and continuing connection to wildlife and our environment,” said Birch. “We invite all designers, artists and those who have a vision of an idea, to submit it to MARS.  All entries will be carefully considered and we anticipate an enterprising and winning design will be chosen and so recognized.”