Small brushes have a big impact for wildlife

Photo courtesy of Appalachian Wild

Press release from Appalachian Wild:

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is about to get a huge delivery of used mascara brushes as a result of one post on Facebook that went viral. Savannah Trantham, a home-based wildlife rehabilitator and Co-Founder of Appalachian Wild, never thought sharing a post about cleaning out her old makeup would have such an impact.

On March 10, 2017, Savannah decided to share with friends a simple way to help the wildlife she rehabilitates.  She asked in a Facebook post, “did you know something as simple as an old mascara wand can help wildlife?!? We use mascara brushes to help remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of animals. They work great because the bristles are so close together! Do you have old mascara just lying around in a drawer? Know a makeup artist? Clean off those old wands in hot soapy water and we can put them to good use! Clean brushes can be sent to: Appalachian Wild, P.O. Box 1211, Skyland, NC 28776.” She included some friends she knows that sell makeup, and that is all it took!

It looks like thousands of brushes may be coming in to the nonprofit through the post office in Skyland. By Sunday night, the Facebook post had over 21,000 shares and high activity on the website has led to purchases of other needed items off the wishlist. With the nonprofit about to open a wildlife triage facility in Candler, the timing is amazing.

“We are stunned at the outpouring of support,” shared Kimberly Brewster, who coordinates the groups outreach efforts, “I was brought to tears by the messages thanking us for saving wild animals.” The word is continuing to spread with people posting photos of their mascara brushes on Facebook with a note to visit Appalachian Wild’s website to find out why.

This excitement comes on top of the organization reaching a $43,000 goal for funding the wildlife triage building. The group is now working to gather materials and volunteers to finish repairs and renovations. With the WNC Nature Center no longer able to accept animals, the facility is needed immediately. This spontaneous post has brought needed support and attention during a critical time. It also shows how a simple act of recycling can directly help a wild animal in need. Visit www.appalachianwild.org to learn more.

SHARE
About Able Allen
Able studied political science and history at Warren Wilson College. He enjoys travel, dance, games, theater, blacksmithing and the great outdoors. Follow me @AbleLAllen

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.