EARS Volunteer Leader Honored with Annual Heart and Soul Award

Cranbrook, British Columbia resident recognized for improving animal disaster preparedness in Canada

SACRAMENTO, CA (September 5, 2007) – United Animal Nations (UAN) today named Colleen Bailey of Cranbrook, British Columbia the recipient of its prestigious Heart and Soul Award, presented annually to an individual who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to UAN’s programs and a strong personal devotion to animals.

Bailey is the first-ever Canadian Regional Director for UAN’s Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) program, which operates emergency shelters for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises. Since becoming EARS Canadian Regional Director in March 2006, Bailey has significantly increased awareness of the need to include animals in disaster planning in Canada, particularly by building relationships will community and provincial emergency planners and other officials.

“Attention to the issue has been sorely lacking, and most provinces and cities are unprepared to handle a major disaster that forces people, many with pets, to evacuate,” Bailey reported.

In July, Bailey trained 50 new Canadian EARS volunteers, who will be ready to respond when a disaster puts animals at risk in their home country. In May, she made a presentation at the British Columbia provincial Emergency Program’s southeast regional meeting, and in November she will speak to the Canadian National Risks and Hazards Network Symposium in Vancouver.

“In just over a year, Colleen has already sounded the siren about the risk disasters pose to animals, and the people who care for them, across Canada ’s thirteen provinces and territories,” Forsyth said. “Canada is at constant threat from fires, floods, ice storms and more, but thanks to Colleen’s efforts, its citizens will be prepared the next time disaster strikes.”

In September 2005, Bailey spent a week at UAN’s emergency shelter in Louisiana  after Hurricane Katrina. As EARS Canadian Regional Director, a volunteer position, Bailey monitors disasters that may affect animals in all the Canadian provinces and territories. She assists agencies with their animal disaster planning, works with local authorities to set up temporary animal shelters, and coordinates necessary animal relief efforts.

“My experience during Katrina only reinforced my belief that we must include animals in our disaster planning – both to protect them and the people who care for them,” Bailey said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to promote animal disaster preparedness in Canada  as a member of the United Animal Nations team, and humbled to be recognized with the Heart and Soul Award.”

Bailey has volunteered with local veterinarians, her local search and rescue team, and her local SPCA, and worked professionally as a pet sitter, dog groomer and certified pet first aid instructor. She frequently rescues abandoned and injured animals she encounters near her home. She has more than 14 years of experience in graphic design, communications, project management and public relations and is currently a graphic designer at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook. She also designed UAN’s Animal Disaster Planning Handbook, which gives pet owners one central place in which to record information about their pets, evacuation locations, emergency contacts and other information that may be needed during a disaster. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexis Raymond, (916) 429-2457.

Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations is 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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