Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA) recently announced the establishment of its Ukraine Emergency Fund and asks its generous supporters to help equestrians and their horses as it joins the many organizations supporting relief efforts in that nation. Funds raised will be forwarded to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEFCF; registered in Belgium) with assistance from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) and USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) via the USEF Disaster Relief Fund.
According to UEFCF, there are more than 100,000 horses in Ukraine, many of which are caught up in the war, with no possibility to flee and seek safety nor access to shelter or veterinary care. Horse owners, riding schools, athletes, breeders, and riders are suffering under desperate conditions without any means to save their horses. “By making a donation to Brooke USA, donors can provide the Ukrainian equestrian community with a way to help themselves and their beloved equine companions – whether providing feed, bedding, shelter, veterinary care, medications, and other essential needs,” stated Katherine Kaneb, Chair of the Board of Directors of Brooke USA.
Brooke USA has received several email messages and calls asking for the organization to support those in Ukraine who are living amidst a war zone, lacking essential services and access to meeting their most basic needs. “Just imagine if life is difficult for humans; their equine companions are completely at risk. Those who care for them are forced to flee or have no means to provide for them. We have heard that many Ukraine horse owners are staying with their horses because of the difficulty of transporting them out of the country. The situation is truly desperate for all, added Kaneb.
Brooke USA is in a unique position to help both humans and equines as the organization understands that the lives of both are intertwined. 100% of the funds raised will be designated for direct support services.
UEFCF is helping with the relocation of horses and gathering and distributing goods for equestrians and their horses. Initially, the fund was established to manage a hotline for equestrians in Ukraine and those organizations offering help to Ukrainians. UEFCF has expanded their efforts to include coordinating help and operations in Ukraine, offering counselling and other needs-based assistance. Over the last month, outreach efforts assisting horses and humans displaced by the ongoing attacks in Ukraine amounted to more than 375 tons of feed, haylage and bedding. 150 tons were immediately distributed to 30 different stables in across Ukraine.
“Current donations are meeting immediate needs, but we know that the commitment to aid our fellow equestrians will require long-term support. Brooke USA’s Ukraine Emergency Fund will have a presence at all our fundraising events throughout the year and will be a staple of all our actions during 2023. We know that the welfare of these horses is paramount to their owners,” stated Emily Dulin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooke USA.
To make a donation to Brooke USA’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, visit www.BrookeUSA/Ukraine.
About Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA): The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.
Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality, and guaranteeing life on land resilience. We want to see healthy, happy people and equines that work in partnership to achieve sustainable local economies.
For more information, contact:
Emily Dulin
305-505-6170
Emily.Dulin@BrookeUSA.org
Kendall Bierer
561-309-9873
Kendall.Bierer@BrookeUSA.org