The news is spreading across the entire United States about Hurricane Ian and the damage it has done, not only in the loss of homes, land and property but in the loss of human lives. But before that was Hurricane Fiona, and while that hurricane has left the news in the aftermath of more present storms, parts of the United States, most notably Puerto Rico, are still dealing with the devastation of one hurricane on top of another.
PATH Intl. recognizes the impact of these storms, including the impact on PATH Intl. Member Centers. Many centers are now suffering the damage caused by high winds and water creating flooding. Many have lost the stables housing their horses. Some have trekked miles with panicked horses in order to keep those horses safe. And some will have to shut down their services until they can clean up, rebuild and safely offer the equine-assisted services to those who need it most.
PATH Intl. has established the PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund to aid centers in good standing to regain hope—and their centers—after the devastation they have experienced.
If you know of a center in need, consider having them fill out the application located here: https://pathintl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/PATH-Intl-Disaster-Relief-Fund-Application.pdf.
If you are someone who wants to help the participants keep going to the centers, and help the equines, volunteers and professionals who serve those participants, consider donating to the PATH Intl. Disaster Relief Fund here: https://sforce.co/3CkJQdR.
Thank you for your generosity.
About PATH Intl.
PATH Intl. was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted services (EAS) for individuals with special needs. Since that time, the association’s work to credential professionals and accredit centers has expanded, as have the categories of individuals served EAS. Through the work of 813 member centers and more than 5,424 professionals credentialed through PATH Intl., 53,399 children and adults, including more than 5,900 veterans, find a sense of health, wellness, a sense of independence and fun through EAS. Member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several credentialed instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to horseback riding, a center may offer any number of EAS such as hippotherapy, carriage driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition and more. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful programs. There are 49,705 volunteers, 6,781 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world making a difference in people’s lives.
For more information, contact:
Cher Smith, Communications Specialist
(800) 369-7433, ext.123
csmith@pathintl.org