According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 37 large fires have burned more than 292,000 acres in nine states in 2020. And this is only the beginning of wild fire season. Flooding threatens even more states from tropical storms and hurricanes.
With the knowledge of these disasters comes the fear of losing property and, even worse, the possibility of losing lives. Evacuations of humans and horses are heartbreaking, yet necessary. Many return to homes and barns destroyed, shells of the dreams and activities that took place there. How to rebuild and where to start can be enormous and almost unanswerable questions.
The PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund was created in 2005 to help centers affected by such disasters. The purpose of the fund is to assist PATH Intl. Member Centers with an immediate need in funding expenses not normally covered by operating insurance after natural or man-made catastrophic disasters. Since its inception, PATH Intl. has given thousands of dollars to help these centers with outstanding needs.
While it is still too early to tell how much damage wild fires and floods have done to PATH Intl. Member Centers, it is never too early to help. Your donations to the PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund will help centers rebuild. Visit www.pathintl.org and click Donate Now at the top.
Questions? Email Cher Smith at csmith@pathintl.org. Thank you for your generosity.
About PATH Intl.:
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) was formed in 1969 to promote safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. At 873 member centers, nearly 69,000 children and adults, including more than 6,700 veterans, may find improved health, wellness, fun and a sense of pride and independence through involvement with horses. Therapeutic horsemanship at member centers may include hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work and stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful EAAT programs. There are nearly 62,000 volunteers, 4,776 instructors, 7,943 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.
