Walking On Volume 5, Issue 9, September 2018 | Page 6

Industry Info
AAEP Foundation Equine Disaster Relief Fund
Now Accepting Monetary Donations
to Aid Hurricane Florence Victims
As Hurricane Florence makes
landfall in the eastern Carolinas,
the AAEP Foundation is accepting
charitable contributions from indi-
viduals and industry organizations in
support of its Equine Disaster Relief
Fund.
Just as was done in 2017 during
hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Ma-
ria, the Foundation will work with
agencies and veterinarians in the
region to identify the needs of the
equine community. Supplies are not
being accepted until specific needs
are identified.
Authorities indicate that many
horses are being relocated inland,
putting a heavy strain on facilities
and caregivers, while other hors-
es may become stranded in
flooded eastern flatlands.
The predicted flood waters
will make extended care for
displaced animals an ongoing
need.
“Once we receive an assess-
ment of need and distribution
protocols from the agencies
and veterinary members in
the area, the Foundation will
work to meet their needs,” said
AAEP’s director of industry
relations Keith Kleine.  “While
we know people like to donate
supplies, monetary support to
a trusted charitable organiza-
tion is always the best response
everyone can provide imme-
diately.”
Should Hurricane Florence’s
6 • Walking On
impact be less than anticipated, any
unused contributions will be main-
tained in the Disaster Relief Fund for
use in future disasters.
To support the impending needs
of these equine victims, please give
online at https://foundation.aaep.org/
disasterrelief
Developed in 2005 during the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the
AAEP Foundation Equine Disas-
ter Relief Fund was formed to help
ensure the safety and care of horses
affected by natural disasters. Since
its inception, over $500,000 has been
donated through supplies, shipping,
and monetary support to aid horses
of all breeds in disaster-related situa-
tions. Disaster preparedness training
and education for horse owners,
veterinarians and first responders
also receive Fund support.  All mon-
ey donated is strictly used to benefit
horses in need.
Gifts by mail can be sent to:
Equine Disaster Relief Fund, AAEP
Foundation, 4033 Iron Works Park-
way, Lexington, Ky 40511; (800) 443-
0177 (U.S. only) or [phone].
About the AAEP Foundation
The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)
(3) organization established in 1994,
serves as the charitable arm of the
American Association of Equine
Practitioners to improve the welfare of
horses. Since its inception, the Foun-
dation has disbursed more than $5.4
million to fulfill its vital mission.