February 15, 2020
AVMA donates $25,000 to Australia wildfire relief
The AVMA Board of Directors on Jan. 9 approved a $25,000 donation to aid Australian veterinarians who are helping animals impacted by the bushfires ravaging their country. In addition, the AVMA is encouraging its 95,000 members and the general public to contribute to relief efforts by donating through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which will match donations up to $50,000.
“People have been calling us, asking how they can help their colleagues in Australia,” said Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA CEO and AVMF executive director, in an announcement about the donations. “This is how you can help.”
The AVMA and AVMF will be donating to the Australian Veterinary Association’s Benevolent Fund, which provides financial assistance to veterinarians who have lost their own property because of the fires or who have provided charitable care for impacted animals.
Those who would like to donate can visit the AVMF website and use the AVMF code “Disaster Relief—AVA Benevolent Fund.” The AVMF will direct 100% of all contributions toward the AVA’s Benevolent Fund.
“As part of the global veterinary community, the AVMA and AVMF are grateful to be able to provide this critical support to our colleagues in Australia who are helping save the lives of countless animals,” said Dr. John de Jong, chair of the AVMF board of directors, in the announcement about the donations. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating disaster.”