A Vancouver man who's garnered hundreds of thousands of followers across social media while talking about orcas is looking for ways to help the destroyed Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove.
Telegraph Cove, a tiny town on Vancouver Island's northeastern coast, was devastated by a fire on Dec. 31, 2024. Among the structures lost was the Whale Interpretive Centre, a museum dedicated to the whales that live off B.C.'s coast.
The centre was a significant part of the town and a draw for people interested in whales and dolphins. It housed a large collection of whale skeletons, including a 20-meter fin whale.
Already, more than $137,000 has been raised, but the museum's board and administration are hoping to raise $1,000,000 to rebuild at the site.
Enter the Orca Man
To that end, Vancouver's Fred DeNisco (better known online as the Orca Man) has organized an event at the Hollywood Theatre to help the small-town whale centre.
A screening of the iconic film Free Willy.
"My life changed forever when I saw Free Willy at three years old, and maybe, just maybe, coming to this screening will change yours," he writes on the event's page.
The film tells the story of a boy who befriends an orca in captivity and the boy's efforts to return the orca to the wild. It includes shots of Southern resident orcas, the local group that spends a lot of time in the Salish Sea.
Along with a screening of the film, DeNisco will be talking about the film and hosting a panel.
The Free Willy Experience with The Orca Man
When: Sunday, July 20 at 1:30 p.m
Where: Hollywood Theatre - 3123 W Broadway
Cost: $35 plus fees
