Flood Relief Fund - flakesale.com
Second Chance Ranch and HorseReunions.com have teamed up in a cooperative effort to establis a flood-relief fund to assist Washington state horse owners affected by the January 7, 2009 floods. At http://www.flakesale.com/ - you can click on a donate button and purchase a flake of hay for $5.00. This will feed one horse for one day.
On January 7, 2008, Western Washington experienced torrential rains resulting in devastating flooding in many areas. Over 18 counties declared a state of emergency, as a combination of heavy rain and previous snowfall caused a number of rivers to break their banks. 40,000 residents had to evacuate their homes, many with their pets and livestock. Over 300 horses were forced to take shelter at area fairgrounds.
As the waters recede, residents are returning to find that their winter’s supply of hay and grain has been destroyed by the rushing water. With hay prices at an all time high, the flood damage has created a severe crisis for area horse owners.
In establishing a flood relief fund, Second Chance Ranch is partnering with HorseReunions.com, a website created to help reunite owners and horses, and will provide emergency feeding grants to ensure that Washington horse owners can meet their horses’ immediate needs as they begin flood recovery efforts.
To fund this effort, Second Chance Ranch is holding a virtual “Flake Sale” and has established a website, flakesale.com, to allow donors to buy virtual flakes of hay for Washington horses in need through secure, online donations. A virtual flake costs just $5 and will purchase for enough hay to feed one horse for one day. Second Chance Ranch is also welcoming direct donations from area hay suppliers, feed stores and other equine industry professionals.
Washington state horse owners who have suffered hardship as a result of the January 2009 floods are encouraged to visit the flakesale.com site and download a grant application. The site also provides practical information on preparing horse properties for the return of livestock after a flood.
See www.flakesale.com for more information related to this response.
