STAR TURNOUT AT COMEDY FUNDRAISER RAISES OVER $38,000 FOR WILDLIFE HOSPITAL

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital General Manager of Veterinary Services Dr Bree Talbot with comedians Lehmo (at back) and Jimeoin at WILD AID 2024. Photos: Alexander Forrest, Forrest Media.

Comedy masters Jimeoin, Lehmo, Mandy Nolan and MC Madeleine West drew a capacity crowd to raise over $38,000 to help treat sick, injured and orphaned wildlife at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital’s second annual WILD AID fundraiser event in Byron Bay.

MC Madeleine West and comedian Mandy Nolan

“We are so humbled by the generosity of our community, sponsors and the performers who donated their time and talents to help us,” said the Wildlife Hospital’s General Manager of Strategy & Story, Russell Mills.

“The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is an essential community service,” said Jimeoin, who headlined the fundraiser event after returning from performing in the UK and Europe.

WILD AID 2024 drew a capacity crowd to the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay.

“I’m proud to be one of the hospital’s wildlife ambassadors, they do such important work for our wildlife.”

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital has operated as the region’s only all species Wildlife Hospital for over four years, providing expert veterinary services for over 8000 sick and injured native animals.

CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil thanks Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital staff and volunteers.

“Laughter is powerful medicine, and comedy is a great way to raise funds for an incredible cause,” said comedian and radio host Lehmo. “I was thrilled to be part of it.”

The event featured a high-energy live auction of items including a Banya Bathhouse experience with comedian Mandy Nolan, a private surf experience with former pro-surfer Matt Wilkinson, landscaping products from Stone Style, party planning services from the North Byron Hotel, private tours of Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and Raptor Recovery Centre, an original artwork by Leila Jeffreys and signed limited edition collectors items signed by Iggy Pop.

Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital Founder and CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil said his entire team were deeply grateful for the support.

“Our team have been doing it very tough, with a nation-wide shortage of vets and nurses exacerbating a relentless demand for wildlife care. It was a real boost to share some laughs and raise funds at a feel-good event with the community that supports us.”

“We give all of our services away for free, so our fundraiser events are critical. The proceeds from WILD AID 2024 will help us pay for treatment for over 70 patients.”

“WILD AID couldn’t have happened without the support of our community, auction donors, the performers and sponsors, Southern Cross Credit Union, Southern Cross University, the Beach Hotel Byron Bay, Ray White Real Estate, Byron Bay High School and local media. We thank them all from the bottom of our hearts.”