For the past six years, Justin King has been working as part of a volunteer team The Chicklet Crew for a non-profit bird rescue based in different parts of Sussex, including Ditchling.
Their job is to get casualties to where they need to be in the spare time that they have, as well as help, advise and refer where they can and liaise with followers, rehabbers and supporters all around the world.
However, due to a shortfall of volunteers moving forward in 2022, Justin is reaching out for local residents who might be able to spare some time and volunteer and help rescue birds in need.
Speaking to Justin about the current fundraiser and the need for rescuers, particularly those that can drive, he told us: “We recently held a massive fundraiser on behalf of Bird Aid in Hailsham who were threatened with closure but our team, plus Zoe Ball’s family, led us to victory on Nov 27th.”
Not only did Zoe Ball and her family get involved with the campaign helping raise over £170,000, it was also supported/highlighted by the likes of Banksy, Pam Ayres, Russell Brand, Martin Hughes-Games, Michaela Strachan, Woody Cook, Fat Boy Slim, The Argus, BBC South East, Meridian Tonight, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Chris Packham, Ricky Gervais, Peter Egan, Carl Bovis Nature Photography, Dominic Dyer, Holly Willoughby, Marc Abraham, Peter James, Peter Kyle MP, Eddie Kidd OBE and Angie Best.
“They are saved from closure now.” added Justin. “Our work and efforts have emerged unscathed and we are so proud to play a small part in helping several hundred casualties and have set-up a rescue service in the Worthing area.
“However, I do have a new GoFundMe fundraiser which I’ve had to relaunch to claw back finances that I, and others, gave up to get the celebrity backing.
“We are in desperate need of volunteer rescuers for the new season from Seaford all the way to Worthing and we are looking to eliminate the use of ladders for 2022 so raising money to buy nets on extendable poles will be a priority. Based on previous years’ experience, the type of volunteers we want to attract will ideally be those who don’t work full time and are maybe in early retirement, retired firemen or emergency service workers.”