From: jps@netcom.com (John Serafin)
Subject: Request for aid to birds in south Florida
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 92 03:32:53 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Distribution: na


From WOLNIK_GINGER@Tandem.COM Thu Sep 10 10:24:22 1992
To: jps@netcom.com
Subject: bird email, please distribute
Status: OR

Hurricane Andrew caused major devastation to South Florida.  In
addition to damage to many businesses and individuals, the Miami
Metrozoo was all but destroyed and Parrot Jungle hit hard.  Although
major relief efforts are flooding into the area, very little aid is
being directed towards the avian community.  In addition to the loss
of their homes and personal property, many bird owners suffered the
total destruction of their outdoor aviaries and, in many instances,
the housing for their pet birds.  Because of this, many birds are
being confined to small crates, shipping boxes, carriers, etc.  There
are shortages of feed, uncontaminated water, and other necessary
supplies.  The need is also great for new cages and shelters since
most of the shade trees were destroyed.

American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) First Vice President Chuck
Saffell was instrumental in immediately responding to the emergency.
He set-up the distribution of supplies including gloves, splints,
bandages and bird seed.  He is also working to aid bird people in
Louisiana affected by Hurricane Andrew.  Other AFA members who have
been active in assisting bird breeders and owners in need of help
include Bob Smith, AFA Education & Media Services Chairman, Starr
Kirchhoff, AFA Mid-Eastern Regional Vice President, and John Goss.
Morgan Knox, AFA Southeast Regional Vice President and Diana Skalsky
(McNabb), AFA Nominations and Elections Co-Chair have also been very
active and are coordinating teams to do physical repairs in
devastated areas.

To help with the scope of this disaster, AFA spearheaded the
coalition of two affiliated AFA clubs - Gold Coast All Bird Club,
Inc. and the Parrot Society of South Florida, who, along with the
South Florida Budgerigar Society, Avian Cage Bird Club, and the
Tropical Cockatiel and Lovebird Society have formed the South Florida
Avian Relief (SOFAR).  This organization and AFA will continue to
work together to provide aid and support to those in need.  SOFAR has
secured a warehouse just 20 minutes from the hardest hit areas.
Volunteers are donating time and physical effort distributing much
needed supplies.  For details on SOFAR, call AFA member and Gold
Coast All Bird Club President Vivian Swain at (407) 790-4154.

The success of this project requires the joint effort of all bird
lovers including individuals, clubs and avian suppliers.  AFA has
established a Disaster Relief Fund.  Money contributed will be used
to offset the cost of buying and distributing supplies to those in
need.  Any excess funds will be maintained for help with future
disasters.  Both monetary contributions and supplies are needed to
help the birds in Florida and Louisiana.  Items needed include: bird
seed/pellets, peanuts, handfeeding formula, cage wire, wire cutters,
water, wood shavings, J-clips, crimpers, veterinarian supplies, nets,
nest boxes, and canned food.  AFA will publish a list of supply
donations in an upcoming AFA Watchbird (their magazine).

All monetary donations will receive a tax deduction receipt, thank
you letter, and be listed in Watchbird.  Make checks payable to: AFA
Disaster Relief.  Mail to: AFA, P.O. Box 56218, Phoenix, AZ 85079-6218.

-- 
John P. Serafin  |  Operating a bicycle is more like driving than riding.
jps@netcom.com   |  Operating an automobile is more like riding than driving.
Newsgroups: rec.birds