The OFO Optics Program aims to rehome used optics (binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras) and pass them on to birders who may face financial difficulty obtaining their own. Getting your first good optics is a game changer when you’re a birder, it literally changes the way you see and are able to appreciate birds! This program is run thanks to the generosity of Ontario birders who donate their gear to OFO. Once we receive donations, birders can apply for optics that will be distributed by the OFO board and our partner organizations.
Donation
So what’s involved for donating? Well it’s quite simple. All you have to do is pick the optics you want to donate, print off the donation form (found below), then either drop them off at one of our designated drop-off nodes or get in contact with info@ofo.ca for more information on how to get them to us.
Donation form to print off.
Currently the in person drop off sites are:
- Birds Canada Headquarters (front desk), Port Rowan, Ontario
- Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, Leamington, Ontario
- High Park Nature Centre, Toronto, Ontario
- Wild Birds Unlimited – London
- Wild Birds Unlimited Barrie
- Wild Birds Unlimited – Newmarket
- Wild Birds Unlimited – Ottawa
- Wild Birds Unlimited – Kanata
- OFO Annual Convention, at the OFO Booth
Application
For applicants, you can easily apply to receive optics by filling out the form found below. The only requirements are that you’re 1) an Ontario resident and 2) face financial barriers in obtaining your own optics.
Thanks
OFO would like to give a massive thank you to our Optics Program Partners, who graciously accept our donations and mail them out free of cost – Wild Birds Unlimited London/Kanata, Wild Birds Unlimited Barrie/Newmarket, Wild Birds Unlimited Ottawa