November 26, 2020
Happy Holidays everyone! As you settle between the turkey/tofurkey and the pies, we wanted to give you an update about the ongoings of BRC!

In this email you will find:

  • Update on the $250,000 Challenge Match
  • Safety for the holidays and BRC
  • Volunteer Appreciation and Update Information
Challenge Accepted - And We're Halfway There!
Wondering how our challenge match is going? I'm happy to report it's going very well! Thanks to tremendous community support since its launch just a month ago, we've already raised $150,000!

If you remember, Mary Love is donating $250,000 in memory of her late husband David - if we can match that amount with another $250,000 from supporters. Every dollar donated will be matched by Mary, dollar-for-dollar, all the way up to $250,000. All proceeds will go toward building our new center.

We still need $100,000 to meet the challenge.
With your help, we'll turn Mary's generous gift
of $250,000 into a cool half million!
Holiday Preparations
Last Thursday Sonoma County, as well as 40 other California counties in the purple tier, announced it is issuing another Stay at Home Order requiring curfews between 10:00pm and 5:00am. This mandate began Saturday, November 21 and will extend through Monday, December 21.

Recognizing the seriousness of what is happening around us, we are dedicated to making our 'bubble' as safe as possible for all staff, volunteers, and our birds. 

It's been rewarding to see how successfully everyone has been navigating our small space since March. I cannot thank you enough for coming in every week to help care for our birds while continuing to do everything in your power to keep each other safe. 

To keep everyone who enters BRC as safe and healthy as possible, I am reiterating the state guidelines below. BRC will be adhering to them closely to ensure we can all continue doing our important, life-saving work. 

Please take a few moments to read and understand the following as it pertains to your safety while onsite:  

  • If you leave the state for any period of time or live with anyone who has gone out of state in the last two weeks, we ask that you quarantine for 14 days before returning to BRC, as outlined by statewide guidelines. 
  • If you attend an indoor gathering of more than one household, holiday or otherwise, wait two weeks before returning to your shift at BRC.
  • If you have any symptoms consistent with COVID (i.e; coughing, chest pressure, fever, fatigue, loss of smell or taste), please do not enter the BRC facility and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Review these detailed lists of common and uncommon symptoms.
  • If you have been in close contact with anyone who has exhibited any of the above symptoms at any time in the last two weeks, quarantine for 14 days before returning to your shift at BRC.

If none of the above conditions apply to you and you are still able to work your shifts, please review these reminders of our COVID prevention protocol while onsite at BRC:

  • Start each shift by having your temperature taken with the non-contact thermometer when you sign in. If your temperature is 99F or higher, you will be asked to go home.
  • Wear your mask at all times and make sure it completely covers your nose and mouth. There are some exceptions you can read about here: California Department of Health New Mask Ordinance Nov 2020.
  • While at BRC, wear an approved face mask. Use this link to learn about California mask recommendations.
  • If you need to take a 'mask break', step away somewhere isolated (preferably outdoors) before removing your mask to take a couple of deep breaths of fresh air. 
  • Sanitize your hands frequently, especially if you touch high-traffic surfaces such as door and fridge handles, sinks, light switches, cages, phones, etc.
  • Avoid congregating with other staff and volunteers in close quarters and refrain from physical contact. 
  •  Minimize sharing office supplies, utensils, food, drink, and cell phones with other BRC staff and volunteers.

Here are some helpful COVID resource links:


We're sure many of these procedures are things that you already know and observe. At the same time, as we get into the holiday season when people will be spending more time indoors with others, we want to keep our COVID prevention protocol at the forefront of our minds. Your safety is our utmost priority. As always, do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Volunteer Update and Appreciation
Though we've been unable to host our usual volunteer appreciation and gathering events, we wanted to provide you highlights of the year thus far and the staff has prepared some gifts for everyone to enjoy. They're currently stored at BRC so if you're on shift please check in with a Supervisor or MJ to find out what they are and make your choices. If you're offsite, just call the center so we can arrange a safe pick up for you!

You can find a recording of our Volunteer Appreciation and Update HERE

You have made our 2020 successes possible! I hope you enjoy this holiday season and, despite the chaos swirling around us, your holiday is made a little brighter knowing that thanks to you, thousands more birds are today populating our skies!

With deep gratitude,

Ashton
The Bird Rescue Center | 707/ 523-2473 | Email