BROOKLYN, N.S. – Children, and children-at-heart, will soon spend the afternoon as a pirate digging for buried treasure, thanks to Diane Cooke of Privateer Parrot Rescue.
On Saturday, July 7 from noon until 4 p.m., everyone is invited to the Beach Meadows Beach to participate in an all-ages treasure hunt.
The hunt will take place on the beach for items previously hidden, marked in the general area with a pirate flag, says Cooke. Participants will dig around the site to find a pirate coin with a number on it, with each number corresponding with a prize. Participants can then trade their coin in to pick a prize from the bin with that number.
In addition, Cooke says there will be three coins hidden with special markings on them. Finding one will allow you to win one of three pirate-themed grand prizes.
“Everyone will walk away with something,” says Cooke.
Also, on site will be games and a free barbecue for those who have bracelets. Each person who wishes to participate will be given an admittance bracelet for $20. Guardians are free entry with a child, and all children must have parental/guardian supervision.
“While we had the idea last year, we were too late in getting things set up, so this year will be our first annual treasure hunt,” explains Cooke. “We have taken ideas from the many events we have been to throughout the province, while adding our own flare.”
With more events they attend across the province, they hope to bring new, exciting and unique activities to families in the area, Cooke says.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about the rescue group. Because so many people fail to properly care for exotic birds, many rescue centres are overwhelmed with the number of birds in their care. Cooke says most of the more common rescue places, such as the SPCA and SHAID animal shelter, do not deal with birds to the same extent as specialized parrot rescues. This is where her group comes in.
Because it is so expensive to care for these birds, funds raised from this event will help with the cost of the upkeep of the rescue and adoptable birds for items like cages, food, toys and vet care. They are also hoping to raise money for a van to transport more birds around as well as making it easier to pack equipment and pick up/drop off rescues.
For more information on the parrot treasure hunt, other events, or to book the group for another event, visit "Privateer Parrot Rescue" on Facebook, or email [email protected].
