The work Diane does to educate the public on the importance of wildlife in a healthy ecosystem and how to coexist with wildlife advances our mission to save our wildlife, one life at a time.”

Linda Searles, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center’s executive director

Diane Vaszily, a “proactive community member,” who works to support education efforts at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and Desert Awareness Committee recently received the Cox Conserves Heroes Award.

Each year, Cox Enterprises, and the Trust for Public Land, selects a winner for the award , which honors environmental volunteers who create, preserve, or enhance shared outdoor spaces in their local communities, according to a press release.

“I am ecstatic and delighted to have been chosen as the 2021 conservation hero by the Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land. I am proud to contribute to the expansion of the environmental and conservation efforts of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center where hundreds of other volunteers join to make things happen,” Vaszily said in the release.

“With this gift, our land conservation program, education classes, and wildlife rehabilitation efforts will be able to expand to ensure our continued mission! A huge thank you to all who voted and to Cox for creating this miracle!”

Each year, volunteers like Vaszily are nominated for the Cox Conserves Heroes award with the goal to inspire and encourage individuals who are making a positive impact by honoring them with financial support for their nonprofit of choice.

Vaszily was nominated earlier this year as the western region nominee, winning $10,000 from the nomination.
Then, all nominees were eligible for a $50,000 prize through an online vote, noted the release.

Through a grassroots voting campaign, Vaszily was given the title for this year’s Cox Conserves Heroes Award, receiving a total $60,000 — $10,000 for being nominated, $50,000 for winning — to help SWCC and its conservation efforts.

Noting how SWCC is grateful, humbled and thrilled, the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center’s executive director, Linda Searles said the organization is honored Vaszily was chosen as the 2021 conservation hero by Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land.

“The work Diane does to educate the public on the importance of wildlife in a healthy ecosystem and how to coexist with wildlife advances our mission to save our wildlife, one life at a time,” said Searles in the release.

The total $60,000 will reportedly assist SWCC in many ways including contributing toward SWCC’s goal of moving from the 10-acre location to a 100-acre one, according to the release.

“Our ability to rescue, rehabilitate, and release mammals of the southwest and offer sanctuary for those animals who are non-releasable will be greatly impacted by this generous gift. These funds will also help us in the future as we work toward our goal of moving from our current 10-acre location to our future home: up to 100 acres in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Southwest Wildlife would like to thank Cox Enterprises, The Trust for Public Land, and everyone who voted for Diane. Your incredible support makes Southwest Wildlife possible, and your passion and care for the environment will sustain our wild spaces for years to come,” said Searles.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which operates solely from the public’s support and relies on donations and grants to keep the facility open with trained volunteers and veterinarians caring for the animals 24/7.

Established in 1994, SWCC rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild.

SWCC also offers educational programs and opportunities in the field of conservation medicine. Wildlife education includes advice on living with wildlife and the importance of native wildlife to healthy ecosystems, added the release.

For more information or to donate go to https://www.southwestwildlife.org; to sponsor an animal visit southwestwildlife.org/donate.

The nonprofit Scottsdale animal refuge has listed preferred donations on a wish list on its website and an Amazon wish list, which includes enrichment toys for the animals, as well as other items SWCC needs.