Chairman’s Report
September 2005
The American Kennel Club expresses its heartfelt sympathies to those human and canine victims of Hurricane Katrina. Since the disaster struck the region, the AKC® has been working tirelessly to help the stranded, injured and displaced animals and fanciers in the region.
Through the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund we continue to assist those who reach out to us for help no matter how large or small the request. We have sent teams from AKC and AKC/CAR to numerous staging areas and shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi to meet not only with the lead coordinators, but face-to-face with the volunteer relief workers caring for the animals. As a result we have been able to send much-needed supplies like crates, bowls, leashes, collars, fencing, and dog food to the affected states. To date the fund has received more than $250,000 in donations, all of which is being used to provide aid to the dogs.
The AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund is a permanent charitable fund which provides resources, support and other assistance to not-for-profit animal shelters and similar not-for-profit organizations providing care for domestic animals orphaned or displaced as a result of natural or civil disasters. This fund was created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks and since its inception has provided relief to dogs as a result of the California wildfires, and last year's multiple hurricanes in Florida. Because of this fund AKC has been able to respond quickly to the current situation in the Gulf region.
While 100 percent of the proceeds of donations sent to the AKC/CAR Katrina Relief fund are used to provide for the dogs, AKC also recognizes that dog owners also need help and so we have given an additional donation of $25,000 from the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund general fund to the Take the Lead Katrina Disaster Fund to aid those in the fancy affected by the disaster.
Immediately after Katrina struck, the AKC set-up a Katrina Relief Section on our web site including a Donations Exchange Database at www.akc.org and so far there has been more than 500 offers of assistance. People have come forward with offers of equipment, foster homes, and transportation for canine victims and their owners. People may also list their requests for help.
AKC also sent a Disaster Relief Van to the Somerset Hills Kennel Club and Westchester Kennel Club dog shows so fanciers could drop off supplies and equipment or make donations in person.
Additionally, AKC clubs have been very generous with donations to help the dogs. Some are collecting donations at dog shows or AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events throughout the country or are matching donations from their members.
For frequent updates about our relief efforts or if any club or individual wishes to make a fully tax-deductible donation to the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund - Katrina, or wants to add to the Donation Exchange Database, please visit our website at www.akc.org.
I want to personally thank everyone, including those club members in the region, for their voluntary donations of time and money who have been instrumental in getting relief to the dogs.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
