“Cram-A-Cruiser” fundraiser draws community support for Wings Rehab
- Donna Tuckwell
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
The No Frills parking lot was buzzing with activity March 29 as community members gathered to support the Wings Rehabilitation Center during a spirited fundraiser event.
The Cram-A-Cruiser initiative, organized by Windsor Police Amherstburg Detachment Community Services Officer Nick Dupuis — known affectionately as “Officer Nick” — aimed to collect vital supplies for the center, which specializes in caring for injured wildlife.
With police cruisers and flashing lights on display, the event showcased the strong community spirit in Amherstburg.
“Wings does a lot of good things for helping injured animals, caring for them until they are strong enough to be released back into the wild,” Dupuis explained. “They rely heavily on volunteers and donations from the public, so that’s what we are doing here today—trying to collect some items that are in need right now to help them out.”
Dupuis, alongside six dedicated auxiliary officers, was busy collecting donations to fill a trailer and two police cruisers with essential supplies, ensuring that the Wings Rehab Center is well-prepared for the busy spring season and the influx of new wildlife babies.
The initiative saw immediate success, with the trailer and a police truck nearly full within the first hour.
Local business, No Frills, played a key role in the event, jumping on board to support the cause.
“We were happy to help when Constable Nick asked. He does so much in the community, and we always open our house to him,” said Rob Carr, the owner of the Amherstburg No Frills. “We work with Wings throughout the week to provide produce and things that we can for the animals, and this was just the cherry on top, so we were happy to participate.”
Monetary donations were also being accepted inside the store, which will go towards purchasing additional necessities for the rehabilitation center.
Each year, Wings Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides critical care for over 4,000 animals, including various birds, mammals, and other species.
For anyone interested in supporting the center further, donations can be dropped off at their location at 5281 Middle Side Road in Amherstburg.
However, it is encouraged that donors call ahead at 519-736-8172 to ensure someone is available and to discuss any special drop-off directions.
Wings have a specific list of items they need, which can fluctuate with the seasons.
Currently, they are most in need of: assorted nuts in the shell, unsalted nuts, sunflower seeds and bird seed, dog and cat food (dry/canned), applesauce, fresh fruit and vegetables, canned fruit and veggies, baby food (jar and pouch), rice pablum (baby rice cereal), cereal, facial tissues, toilet paper, bleach, paper towels, dish soap, heavy duty garbage bags, shovels and rakes, old newspapers, storage containers or totes, heating pads, old towels and baby blankets.
It’s important to note that certain items, like hot peppers and tomatoes cannot be accepted for donations.
“Cram-A-Cruiser” fundraiser draws community support for Wings Rehab
By Donna Tuckwell
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