Sanibel Island Philanthropy
Sanibel Island Philanthropy is key to the island’s health. Charitable organizations are helping support the integrity of the community. The organizations active are diverse and cover key necessities. These include housing, medical care, and education. Some of the most vital charitable organizations on Sanibel and Captiva are those that support the environment. The beautiful landscape here is unique. Thankfully much of the land cannot be developed. Keeping the land in trust ensures that a wide variety of wildlife species and birds are protected. They are also able to live in their natural habitat. To protect these habitats, constant research, protective measures, protection, and observation come in. Two of the most important environmental charities on the island are the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society – Freinds of the Refuge (DDWS) and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Organizations such as these rely on financial support from a variety of resources. The resources include government funding, grants, special events, and individual major gifts. Recently, both of these organizations were lucky enough to be gifted by an amazing pair of philanthropists, Laurie and Bill Harkey. We spoke with them to find out what drives them to do so much good and why they support the organizations they do and how we can all give back.
CROW Clinic
3883 Sanibel Captiva Road
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-3644
This wonderful organization was started in 1968 when islander Shirley Walter found a Royal Tern that had been hit by a car. Finding no services available for injured wildlife she took the bird to her Sanibel home. Fast forward to the present day, the superb facility you see before you is a teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife. Approximately 3,500 wildlife patients cared for each year. The Visitor Education Center offers behind-the-scenes views into CROW’s animal care through live camera feeds, interactive displays, and daily presentations.
1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1100
Visit The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1945 due to the efforts of Sanibel Island residents and famed editorial cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling. The best place to start your adventure is the FREE Visitor & Education Center. The Center is full of educational displays, videos, and interactive programs.
About The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast
The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast is your portal to all things island! Follow us on this fun journey as we discover interesting parts of history, talk about local events and recent island changes, and interview local residents and business owners! We hope to cover major attractions such as the beaches, the museums, the outdoor activities and more! It is our hope to bring a unique voice and perspective to this wonderful area of South West Florida, building a supportive community foundation where we can all share thoughts and ideas. We would love your feedback and, suggestions for future interviews, questions you may have or, quirky island stories lesser-known!
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If you enjoyed Podcast #47, check out the following links:
The J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The International Osprey Foundation
The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club
