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VOLUNTEER
If you would like to volunteer
your time to help us at the The Gabriel Foundation facilities, please contact
us:
1025 Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (303) 629-5900
Fax: (303) 629-5901
education@thegabrielfoundation.org
We welcome the interested public, rescue, sanctuary, welfare organizations, veterinarians and members to participate in hands-on care of the aviary and the birds. The Foundation willingly provides its materials to interested volunteers to distribute appropriately in their local area. The Foundation developed a volunteer training manual for training, teaching, educational and safety purposes. The aviary hosts family fun, on-site volunteer work weekends and picnic lunches at the aviary quarterly throughout the year.
Volunteer Application
PLEASE CHECK OUR EVENTS CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
or contact education@thegabrielfoundation.org
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has generously given their time at the recent events. You are all appreciated - TGF is fortunate to have you on our team!
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MEET OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH!
We first met Gaye Thomasson almost three years ago through her plea for help with an Umbrella cockatoo, Sophia, who was wreaking havoc in her household with relentless screaming. Gaye had lived with her Amazon for over two decades, rehomed a neighbor’s Blue & Gold macaw about 10 years ago, and took on a small flock of lovebirds that had been kept in a school classroom. Known as the ‘bird lady’, Gaye earnestly responded to a call for help from an acquaintance who could no longer keep the cockatoo for “family” reasons. Caring for her own flock was a serious commitment for Gaye, and after careful consideration, she agreed to take in the Umbrella after the caller assured Gaye that the cockatoo was a delight. This was certainly not the case, and the reasons that the bird was relinquished soon became obvious. The Thomasson household became frazzled with the cockatoo’s excessive vocalizations making everyone miserable. It was agreed that TGF would work with Sophia in long term foster care with Sophia’s return the ultimate goal. Gaye and her husband Robert became dedicated volunteers, appreciative of everyone’s efforts to improve the cockatoo’s quality of life. Several months passed, then several more…as the bird blossomed at our aviary while it became apparent that the bird’s many previous owners had given little thought to this bird’s long term welfare as the bird had been passed from home to home each time with the same outcome – loss of its home.. Consistent care, indoor and outdoor exercise and activity made a big difference in Sophia’s life. DNA’d a male, and finally given the opportunity to become a part of a small flock, Sophie selected his own best buddy, Joey, another male Umbrella and these two have been best buds ever since. Unable to bring home two cockatoos, Gaye made the difficult decision to entrust Sophia’s long term care to TGF.
Gaye has spent many hours since first contacting us by helping TGF staffers clean, feed and provide enrichment for our flock. She and Robert can always be counted upon to help during the holidays and in a pinch. A former teacher, Gaye’s love of learning has become a valued asset in our outreach programs, with students of all ages. During her many visits, Gaye was drawn to Santana, a charming Scarlet macaw. Adding another macaw to her flock was a serious consideration for her, and after much deliberation, she asked about the possibility of adopting him. After completing the requisite adoption procedures, this adoption was a go. Santana’s arrival in the Thomasson household ruffled a few feathers as Malibu, their Blue & Gold macaw, now had another macaw in the flock. Soon, these two birds became fast friends, and both birds took exploration of their environment to a whole new level! The Thomasson’s built a terrific outdoor flight nestled under the Austrian pines on their high plains property. Life is good for these macaws where they have a human and psittacine social circle. For Sophie, the stability of the aviary routine and Joey’s companionship have been the best gift that he could receive. Finally freed from the pressures of a life of over-dependence upon humans, no same-species flock interaction and a revolving door from home to home has made an enormous difference in Sophie’s behavior. For Santana it’s meant the opportunity to thrive in a home with a fully enriched life.
For TGF, Gaye’s continued volunteerism has made a real impact on our flock’s welfare and to TGF’s bottom line. Here in the West, water is the lifeblood of the land. Gaye has special expertise in the complex field of water rights and adjudication, and she initiated a grassroots campaign to assist property owners in this complex field in return for their donation to TGF. Her singular dedication has helped to raise several thousand dollars for TGF while ensuring environmental benefits for property owners.
Gaye makes the absolute, best ever cinnamon rolls one could ever eat – melt in your mouth, robust with cinnamon, and if desired, nuts and raisins snuggled into the dough. The cream cheese frosting adds the final sugary touch, and no better eating could be had. We’ll be happy to put you in touch with Gaye for these earthly delights.
And, Gaye’s sister, Cathy, is quite the folk artist. Her talent is visible in the charming Teacup Bird Feeders offered exclusively for sale at www.thebirdbrain.com (link). A perfect gift, outdoor bauble or indoor decorative work of art, each one is unique.
From all of us, feathered and human, at The Gabriel Foundation – our deepest thanks to Gaye for turning her compassion into action.
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