Flapper's Folly

California Wildfire Relief Efforts

I spent yesterday doing what I promised. There is no organized effort in this area, at least none I could find, providing any kind of aid whatsoever to California Wildfire victims. I contacted the local television stations asking if they planned any fund raisers and the anwer was "no." I was referred to their sister network affiliates in California and all of those affiliates suggest donations be made to the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund which I listed here yesterday. I chose to contribute to it.

I listed local Californian Red Cross chapters yesterday. You can also contribute to the Salvation Army Southern California Wildfire relief effort. I found an excellent source of information to be the website of California US Senator Barbara Boxer.

I suppose we never really consider what it would mean to pack up what we could carry and leave our homes, possibly to return and find our homes and everything in them gone. I know, in my house, first in the car would be my beloved animals, but shelters for people are not equipped to handle pets, let alone horses, goats, iguanas, and parakeets. There are huge efforts being made to house and feed these displaced animals. PETsMART is helping. Countless kennels and humane societies are all donating space, food and services. County fairgrounds are housing livestock and acting as clearinghouses for lost pets. People are donating use of their trailers to transport livestock out of endangered areas. I read one place that the Red Cross was helping to fund some of the efforts involving county properties. There were many local animal shelters with nothing but phone numbers for me to offer, but the task would fill the page so I have chosen not to. I contacted PETsMART suggesting they set up a fund for the animal rescue effort. As a national chain, they would reach countless people, and frankly, it would be great PR. I have not yet gotten a response from them. Please, if this interests you, email them and add your request. Many voices are louder than one.

Have a fun & safe Halloween.

Posted by Rockelle at October 31, 2003 11:32 AM