Published: May 22, 2006
PetSmart Charities Funds Scholarship Program to Train Shelter Staff for Noah's Wish National Animal Disaster Response Team
Two-Year Grant Will Support Disaster Preparedness Training for 36 Animal Shelter Employees
NEW YORK, May 22, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Noah's Wish has been awarded a $3,800 scholarship grant from PetSmart Charities that will enable animal shelter employees to participate in the organization's unique three-day training in animal disaster preparedness. The scholarships will underwrite the cost of registration for 36 shelter employees across the United States and Canada who, upon completion of the training, will become part of the Noah's Wish Animal Disaster Response Team. The not-for-profit organization works exclusively to rescue and shelter animals in disasters and educate the public about disaster preparedness. The volunteer training sessions are the foundation of the organization, familiarizing participants with all aspects of disaster response, including animal first aid, team building, sheltering procedures and search and rescue team requirements.
"The PetSmart Charities scholarships will provide an opportunity for animal control and shelter staff to learn how to protect their community's animal population in a disaster and develop the skills needed to implement a disaster plan," said Terri Crisp, Noah's Wish Founder and President. "On behalf of the many shelters that will benefit from this generous grant, we thank PetSmart Charities."
The Noah's Wish training is the only program that simulates the disaster environment and prepares volunteers for the emotional and physical challenges of disaster work. Volunteers arrive at the training as if they were responding to a disaster, equipped with sleeping bags, coolers and enough food for three days. During the course, volunteers are taught a variety of skills they will implement at a disaster site. The days are divided into large and small group sessions that include interactive activities, lectures and videos.
"PetSmart Charities is proud to partner with Noah's Wish to help increase the number of animal shelter staff trained in disaster response. The Hurricane Katrina experience emphasized the importance of emergency training and preparedness for pets. This training will not only help each participant's shelter become more responsive to the needs of pets in times of disaster, but will allow these individuals to assist Noah's Wish in large scale animal rescues," said PetSmart Charities Executive Director, Susana Della Maddalena.
Anchorage Animal Control was selected as the first shelter to receive a PetSmart Charities scholarship. Shelter volunteer coordinator Megan Premer attended the Noah's Wish training in Anchorage, Alaska on May 19-21. Additional scholarships will be awarded to shelters participating in upcoming trainings in Kamloops, British Columbia (June 16-18), and Edmonton, Alberta (June 23-25) and Arlington, VA (July 7-9). The remainder of the scholarships will be awarded to participants during trainings scheduled for 2007.
Noah's Wish responded to Hurricane Katrina and set up a temporary shelter in Slidell, Louisiana 72 hours after the storm devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005. Almost 2,000 animals were rescued and cared for in the three months following the disaster. The massive animal rescue effort was made possible by over 1,000 volunteers who responded from across the United States and Canada.
ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES:
PetSmart Charities, Inc. (PCI) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PCI has donated more than $42 million to animal welfare agencies and, through its in-store adoption programs, has saved the lives of more than 2.5 million pets. To learn more about how PCI is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.
ABOUT NOAH'S WISH:
Noah's Wish is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the rescue and sheltering of animals in disasters. Terri Crisp, the nation's leading expert in animal disaster preparedness, founded the organization in 2002; she has more than 20 years experience in disaster relief work. The group is based in El Dorado Hills, CA, with field staff around the country, including 35 regional volunteer coordinators and over 1,000 volunteers trained to mobilize and respond to disasters Noah's Wish P.O. Box 4288 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (916) 939-9474 For more information, visit www.noahswish.org.
CONTACT: Noah's Wish Press Office
718-706-8890
noahswishpressoffice@yahoo.com
Paige Donnelly, PetSmart Charities
623-587-2872
pdonnelly@ssg.PetSmart.com
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