I Was Burnt Out - But Wildlife Rescue Work Must Go On | Surviving Recession

“For the first time in 10 years, I felt too tired to go out and rescue animals,” said Kalai Vanan, the co-CEO of Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) who has been managing its wildlife rescue and rehabilitative services since 2011.
In 2020, the pandemic disrupted the charity’s fundraising efforts and volunteer services, even as the volume of wildlife rescue calls climbed to a record high. The stress of raising money in a recession - and having to get more work done with less manpower - is causing Kalai to burn out.
But giving up isn’t an option for him. “This isn’t a job for me - it’s more a big responsibility given to my colleagues and me. It’s not something I can just throw away to go and do something else.”
This year, as ACRES celebrates its 20th anniversary, Kalai has even bigger plans for ACRES - expanding its facilities and outreach programmes. And he doesn’t intend to stop until ACRES becomes a household name.
Kalai is one of 12 individuals CNA Insider has tracked over the past year to see what the pandemic recession has cost Singaporeans, and how ordinary folks dug deep to meet the challenge - and came out tougher for it.
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[@yodee1584]

Thankyou very much Acres! Appreciate you saving our wildlife

[@endi4654]

I pray that I'll earn more in order to be able to donate more to ease their financial strain. We need them. We need heroes to keep on going.

[@jianfabentsai2438]

Thank you for saving the animals

[@wt_oldsoul]

Thank you so much for doing what you do! It's really heartening to see how much effort you guys put into rescuing and caring for the animals. It pains me to see them in such dire conditions. Would definitely help to spread the word about ACRES to raise awareness and keep the funds coming. Please keep up the good work but remember to take care of yourselves as well!

[@cwong5643]

Respect to Kalai. What a determined young man who is so dedicated in the mission of ACRES. This is really heartwarming and inspiring to watch.

[@lawrencewongofficial]

thank you so much for your work! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sunsetfoxx]

thank you for sharing this message with the world!

[@TheOldmankk]

Never be easy, you have my salute. Thank you Acres.

[@venomdealer790]

a country's beauty reflects from the way it cares for it's wildlife

[@poonammohun3554]

brave good job

[@xizhilow6815]

❤️ thank u acres

[@joycezzhuang753]

___/ Thankzilion \___ ACRES for giving U Love & Compassion.

[@kinokunia]

Better than the rest of the series..