Sacramento, CA (September 30, 2005) – United Animal Nations (UAN), which has been providing disaster relief for animals in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, has raised more than $1 million for its efforts, with many donations coming from people who are holding their own fundraising efforts on the organization’s behalf.
Through its volunteer-driven Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS), UAN has been heavily involved in the animal relief efforts in the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina hit late last month. More than 200 trained EARS volunteers have deployed to assist with the operation of three emergency animal shelters in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. UAN’s partners, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Colorado-based Code 3 Associates, led the water rescue efforts in New Orleans.
Among the many fundraisers being held across the country to benefit UAN’s relief efforts are:
- A group of animal advocates, including a nationally recognized animal psychic, raised $6,800 for UAN through their “Yappy Hour” event in Oakland Park, Florida;
- Nearly 200 fifth-grade students at the Ridgeview School in Granite Bay, California dug into their piggy banks and underneath couch cushions to raise $1,300 for UAN through a “Pennies for Pets” drive;
- A Huntington Beach artist is donating the net proceeds from sales of commemorative lithographs to UAN and other animal relief organizations;
- The Buffalo Companion Animal Network in Buffalo, New York is contributing half the proceeds from its upcoming microchip clinic to UAN;
- UAN is one of three non-profit organizations receiving proceeds from the “Band Together II” benefit concert in Sayreville, New Jersey; and
- Pet Sitters International (PSI) led fundraising drives in various cities throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and Michigan, netting nearly $14,000 for UAN’s relief efforts.
“We are humbled and truly grateful to those who are committing their own time, resources and energy to help us help animals victims of these horrific disasters,” said UAN president and CEO Jennifer Fearing. “Despite our eighteen-year disaster response history, this has been by far the most daunting response ever, and we are thankful to supporters who make our efforts possible.”
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) is recognized as North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
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