Every day, new baby seals arrive at the SRRC and every day there is the worry about money for their care. Luckily, we have many supporters in the Netherlands who give donations. These are people who take responsibility for the seals.
Because the seals have become the victims of our way of life and of the way we treat nature. Our supporters see this and so do the seal adopters and all children who bake cookies, hold fundraising walks or organise other activities in aid of the seals.
In this way they give something back.
We people consume what factories produce for us. This is why we cannot put the blame on industry, there is a thing called shared responsibility. That is the SRRC’s philosophy.
But what is happening now?
Financially we are having a very tough time. Every day we must try to make ends meet; especially now the National Postcode Lottery has turned down our appeal for funding for the fourth time.
To raise enough money, we have to come up with new schemes. This year, we thought up the following: Most young seals are found in and around the Eems, where almost 20% of all Dutch chemical industry is located. Sometimes, young seals are practically found on the doorsteps of those companies.
There used to be such a thing as “neighbourly duty”: you helped your neighbours when they were in need.
So we thought: Come, we will ask the industries around Delfzijl and the Eemshaven whether they are willing to give some money towards helping their neighbours, the seals.
I thought naively: If so many citizens take their responsibility, then the industries are sure to follow.
To the more than eighty letters we sent out, we only got three responses.
We had only asked for a small amount, but all responses were negative. Especially the letter from Akzo Nobel was really disgraceful. So bad, that I am planning to lay the next seal that is found in their outfall water on the board of directors’ desk.
It makes me really rebellious.
If you see to what lengths individual people go to save the seals. I have great respect for them. That contrasts sharply with the behaviour of responsible companies. Those companies should love their environment and everything that lives in it. Seals and other animals are much inconvenienced by them.
However, I shall remain optimistic.
Just maybe, a positive reaction will come.
Yesterday, I saw mothers sunbathing with their young on the sandbanks in the Dollard, unaware of the poisons that they come into contact with the whole day. These animals cannot voice themselves.
It is our duty to tell people what difficulties they have.
This morning, I went to a school-opening in Naarden, where all children were cycling, running and playing sports in order to raise money for the seals.
Fantastic! We can still count on the youngsters!
06-17-2009 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
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June 17, 2009
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April 08, 2009
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March 20, 2009
