The laughter began before the comedian even went on stage for the Buntacular talent show Thursday night at Victoria Event Centre.
It was sparked by a Broad Street passerby’s mistaken assumption it was one of those buns-of-steel spectacles that would more likely play a few doors down at Paparazzi nightclub.
The fundraiser staged by the Vancouver Island Vegan Association and the Animal Alliance Environment Voters to support View Royal Rabbit Rescue was the polar opposite.
You couldn’t even find, as you might expect given the rabbit theme, a scantily clad faux Playboy bunny.
Several entertainers pooled their talents in a more wholesome way to help the non-profit group rescue rabbits trapped at the Helmcken Road/Trans-Canada Highway interchange.
The plight of the bunnies whose residence on and around the median poses a threat to distracted motorists and their own well-being prompted some tears.
“These are not wild rabbits. They’re abandoned domestics and they need a place to be safe,” said treasurer Valerie Gibson.
She said many of the abandoned cuties have been dumped there by owners, perhaps unaware the area lacks food and water sources, or that the bunnies are vulnerable to predators.
Some of the growing population is likely overflow from rabbits who proliferated on the other side of the highway before a cull, Gibson said.
“The domestic rabbit doesn’t have the instincts of a wild rabbit. It’s pretty sad and terrifying,” she explained tearfully. “They’re basically stuck on an island.”
Founder Patrycja Ploch said “we’re just a group of caring individuals who believe in a humane solution” to a distressing problem.
“When rabbits are no longer wanted or needed or [owners] can’t afford to care for them they get dumped outside, and then they just breed like … rabbits,” she said.
Two questions they’re asked most, she said, are “Why are they being rescued, and why are they going all the way to Texas?”
The sanctuary in Texas they discovered has a good reputation, deals with the local humane society and was the only sanctuary that offered to take all the rabbits, she said.
Thursday’s proceeds augment donations from AAEV, the B.C. SPCA and other agencies to help pay for veterinary care, nutritious food and other services the relocated rabbits require.
Funds were raised through ticket sales, bunny-themed raffle prizes and partial proceeds from sales of Niche Vegan Bakery goodies, ranging from sun-dried tomato parmesan croissants to gluten-wise cranberry tarts.
“There are no animal products or palm oil used, which is bad for the environment,” said Niche owner Brianna Suddaby. “We make our own soy milk, vegan cheese and butter from coconut butter and soy milk.”
Organizer Jordan Reichert said the association had discussed having a vegan talent show as an alternative to their potlucks.
“We knew there were concerns about raising enough money for the rabbit rescue,” he said. “So we thought: ‘Let’s do somethng different.’ ”
Ann Winberg, a Sooke-based animal lover, wore a silver rabbit brooch, bracelet and necklace that reflect her bunny love.
“I’m seriously into rabbits,” said Winberg, who has two of her own — Briggs, a large grey “American standard chinchilla” and Evie, a dark brown “lionhead who is all brains on hoppers.”
Winberg, who donates transport carriers she refurbishes to rescue groups, said rabbits are “goofy, smart animals that are misunderstood” and have long lifespans.
“It’s nice to have a joyful animal as a pet where you don’t have to harm anything else to feed them,” said Winberg, whose rabbits eat plants and use litter boxes lined with straw.
“It just gets thrown out on the compost pile every couple of days,” she said. “I get the most rich, wonderful soil for planting things. It’s a bonus, basically black gold for gardeners.”
