Kid, 7, gives a ‘hoot’

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) received a cheque for $4,000 last week from Joel Sagar, a boy classmates have nicknamed the “Bird Man.”

The Richmond youngster has a passion for birds and on a trip to OWL he found out he could sponsor one. That’s where the spark ignited and the fundraising ideas began.

The seven-year-old started sketching pictures with friends and family to be sold to the highest bidder, but since production was slow, he changed strategies. He then started selling pens that say “Give a Hoot” with the help of his parents, Sean Sagar and Anneke Wijtkamp.

“When he was 18 months old we used to go to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary a couple times a month to feed the ducks and see the birds,” says Sean Sagar.

His father helped with the development of the pens and his mother assisted with sales and marketing. The pens come in five colours and are sold for $1.50. When a purchase is made, he thanks the buyer by smiling and singing his personal catch phrase: “Thanks for giving a hoot.”

The younger Sagar also received help from Taylor Kerr and Jade Campbell, two friends and mentors in Grade 5 who had previously raised funds for disaster relief in the Philippines.

“I want everyone to know that they can make a difference, especially kids,” he says. “My favourite part at school was when kids would run up to me to buy pens with their own money from their piggy banks because they really want to help the birds.”

Under the tutelage of the older students, Sagar began making formal classroom presentations at Maple Lane Elementary. The three of them educated teachers and students about OWL’s goals, inspiring them to support the rehabilitation centre.

The money that Sagar has raised will go to upgrading the new X-ray facility at the East Ladner bird rehabilitation centre.

The pens are also being sold at Richmond Hospital with the help of a neighbour. Other locations include the 4Cats Arts Studio in Steveston and Tao Day Spa.

“What he’s done as a young boy is absolutely phenomenal,” says Bev Day, founding director of OWL. “It took us by surprise last open house and he’s just gone way beyond. It’s the kids that are going to keep OWL going long after I’m not here.”

OWL is looking for land to build a new facility and has raised over $500,000 thus far.