CFA Disaster Relief: 2006
H.E.L.P. Animals, Inc. receives $15,000 from the Cat Fanciers' Association for Animal Oxygen Masks
The
Cat Fanciers' Association Disaster Relief Program has donated $15,000 to H.E.L.P. Animals, Inc., a Daytona, FL based 501(c)3
organization, for the purchase of 300 SurgiVet Animal Oxygen Masks that fire and rescue departments can use during emergency
pet rescue. The CFA Disaster Relief Fund underwrote the project and CFA continues to work closely with H.E.L.P. Animals, which
is handling the distribution for CFA.
During November, a set of three animal oxygen
masks were officially presented to the El Cerrito Fire Department and the Kensington Fire District in California. Pam DelaBar,
President of the Cat Fanciers' Association, presented specially designed, domestic animal oxygen masks to El Cerrito City
Manager Scott Hanin and Fire Department Battalion Chief Lance Maples, and assisted in a demonstration of their use. The three
mask sets donated to El Cerrito Fire Department and Kensington Fire District are the first sets of oxygen masks awarded through
the CFA Disaster Relief Program.
The SurgiVet Animal Oxygen Masks come in 3 sizes
per set and each mask is shaped to fit the muzzle of a variety of animals. The masks feature a rubber ring that provides for
a snug fit to the muzzle, and can be attached to oxygen bottles to help an animal regain its breath or rescue personnel can
hand-pump a flexible air bag, if necessary.
Sets of
SurgiVet oxygen masks are available for donation to fire and rescue departments, upon request. These masks are a "must have"
item for rescue units in areas prone to fires, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. CFA encourages you to
contact the fire department in your area and initiate the process for them to receive a set of oxygen masks. CFA also suggests
that a tax-deductible matching donation (the mask set and storage bag cost is $60, plus shippiing & handling fees), by
either an individual or a cat club, should be considered as this would double the availability of masks during a rescue effort.
H.E.L.P. Animals is assisting in the distribution
of these masks on behalf of CFA. Requests for a donation should be addressed to oxygenmaskinfo@helpanimalsinc.org, or phone either Karen Clark (386-747-0598) or Cheryl
Crozier (386-479-9700) at H.E.L.P. Animals. Subject to availability, a set of masks will be shipped to any location world-wide,
but if outside North America please contact H.E.L.P. Animals to determine if your equipment connectors will be compatible.
The CFA Disaster Relief Fund was established to contribute to the costs of relief efforts provided
by humane organizations following national disasters.
The CFA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations
are tax deductible.
