Dear Catherine Anne & A Celebration of Women, I’ve heard from so many supporters who have been watching the situation in Japan and e-mailing me to ask what they can do to help the animal victims.
Like you, IFAW is eager to help. Our Emergency Relief Team have had their bags packed since first learning of the incredible devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to delay our relief mission because of the ongoing radiation threat from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Please know that as soon as the nuclear situation has stabilized and the area is declared safe for responders, we plan to rush to the scene to help. As soon as we arrive we will conduct an assessment to determine the best way to support local animal welfare groups and shelters.
I want to thank you so much for your offers of help, and for your incredible concern for Japan’s animals.
I’m sure you’ve been watching the images and videos from Japan like I have – with great concern and deep sympathy. The human impact is staggering – the death toll now stands at 4,164 with 7,843 people missing and 450,000 people in shelters.
Of course, there have also been heartbreaking images and videos of animals struggling to survive amidst the devastation. While we don’t yet have a lot of information on the impact to animals, it’s certain to be profound.
IFAW has responded to many disasters, including the Haiti earthquake, the Southeast Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Kobe (Japan) earthquake in 1995, and many others. And two themes often come through: One, that animals play a critical role in the emotional and economic recovery of the impacted areas…and two, that the human survivors are extremely grateful that we are there rescuing and caring for the animals — it often gives the survivors their first glimmer of hope amid the despair.
I’d like to thank you again for your support and understanding, and especially for your commitment to helping Japan and its animals recover from this terrible disaster.
I will update you again with any news of our relief efforts.
In the meantime, please continue to monitor our blog. And more importantly, please keep the people and animals of Japan in your thoughts.
Gratefully,
Fred O’Regan
IFAW CEOInternational Fund for Animal Welfare • 40 Norwich Street East • Guelph, Ontario N1H 2G6 • Canada
Related:
http://blog.ifaw.org/2011/03/11/emergency-response-team-briefing-on-japan-earthquake/
http://blog.ifaw.org/2011/03/17/japan-quake-video-dog-survivor-protects-injured-friend/
Japan Update: Nuclear Uncertainty Hampers Relief Efforts
March 17, 2011 by
