| Tom Erwin, an Executive Recruiter with Century Group, took to the beach recently on behalf of Century Group to help with a cause that has been at the fore-front for many ocean-loving locals – the surge of distressed sea lion pups washing up on Southern California shores.Erwin joined Girl Scout Troop 1453 as they gathered to clean up Bolsa Chica State Beach and raise money for the sick and injured pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. Through the support of Century Group and nearly 50 participants, the troop was able to raise $600 for the worthy cause.
With warmer waters from an El Nino weather pattern, the mother seals at the Channel Islands – where the majority of sea lions in the local area give birth – have had to travel farther and longer to find food. By the time they return, the seal pups are extremely malnourished or have gone off on their own, unprepared and underweight, which has lead to the rise of seals in need of rescue. The Marine Mammal Care Center is one of many treatment centers in the local area that is filled to capacity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 2,000 undernourished sea lion pups have washed up on California beaches since January, and rescue centers have limited resources, so they are only able to treat a portion of those pinnipeds found and reported. In addition to much-needed funds, many of these local rescues centers are looking for volunteers. The Marine Mammal Care Center also has a wish list of items that can be purchased to support their efforts. Click here for more information. |
 (pictured above) Tom Erwin and his cousin, a Girl Scout with Troop 1453 |
