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Animals make life’s journey worthwhile for NIWRA’s founder

Sylvia Campbell advocates for two-legged, four-legged creatures
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Sylvia Campbell, with one of her owl residents from the NIWRA, advocates for animals as well as humans in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

BY MICKI FINDLAY

When one’s senses are assaulted daily with disheartening news, one begins to lose hope in humanity. Until one meets a person like Sylvia Campbell – a woman from a small, obscure, Alberta town who has dedicated her life to making the world a better place.

With all her accomplishments, one would never guess how desperately Campbell struggled academically. Despite failing English, Campbell is the author of five books, one of which is a biography entitled, ‘An Unknown Journey to Success.’ It recounts the many adventures of her and her husband, Robin Campbell, and the story behind the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA) in Errington, B.C. They established the centre after rescuing an injured owl – the first of many casualties cared for by the Campbells. Years later, the centre exploded into a world-renowned wildlife rehabilitation facility and tourist destination.

“I can’t tell you how blessed I’ve been to be a part of this. It was the animals that made the journey worthwhile,” Sylvia Campbell said.

Her experience with NIWRA helped Campbell to believe in herself. She discovered she had the ability to organize, bring people together, write wildlife articles for the local paper, save animals, and build an infrastructure to run a huge operation with (now) seven employees and 80 volunteers. Dr. Lynne Brookes, an NIWRA volunteer, expresses her admiration: “Sylvia has inspired me and many others to apply what skills we may have to improve the lives and well-being of others, whether they have two legs or four.”

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Campbell’s compassionate heart does, in fact, extend to humans in need. She established the Errington Therapeutic Riding Association, was a caregiver to three disabled individuals for 30 years, volunteered at a men’s prison providing music lessons and bible studies, and has worked alongside her husband in running the Manna Homeless Society. She brought awareness to their plight by spending three days on the street and documenting it on video. Her experience revealed how homeless people are often looked down upon.

“I asked for a key to the local washroom and was refused. The next day, when I cleaned up, I was given a key.” Campbell hears frightening stories of violence, especially toward homeless women. “The public may think homeless people are weak, but I’d like to see the local government try it for three days.”

In light of her accomplishments, philanthropism and fierce community spirit, Campbell embodies what International Women’s Day is all about. Susan Teed, another NIWRA volunteer, agrees. “Her accomplishments have always inspired me. Among the many things she has done is organize full-day events that recognize and promote women’s achievements in the community.”

When asked what this year’s theme, ‘Embrace Equity’, means to her, Campbell replied, “When I look at people, I search for their soul. Not the colour of their skin, their sexual preference, political views, purple hair, young or old, disabled, or how much money they have. Who are they? Are they kind, generous to others, thoughtful, loving? Those are the attributes that will bring the world together.”

Campbell offers a pearl of wisdom and encouragement to women who struggle with self-doubt. “I set goals and never once think of failure. Don’t let anyone say, ‘you can’t’, because someday you will.”

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