The Groomers emergency help Fund
By Kathy Hosler
October 24, 2013
Last fall, Superstorm Sandy devastated the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. earlier this year, parts of Canada experienced huge flooding, as well as a huge twister tore with Oklahoma, carving a path of death as well as damage as it went. lots of groomers were difficult hit by these events as well as saw whatever that they had worked their entire lives for vanish in an instant.
After these disasters, lots of unaffected groomers went above as well as beyond to get resources together to assist the other groomers who had lost everything: their houses as well as beauty parlors or mobile vans. even if their workplaces survived, lots of of the storm-ravaged stylists might no longer make a living since all of their clients had likewise lost everything, as well as getting their family pets groomed was not a concern or even a possibility.
As difficult as those well-meaning groomers tried, there was bit that each of them might do alone dealt with with the overwhelming circumstances. a few of the groomers who were a lot of impacted by these catastrophes were in determined requirement of assist as well as did not understand where to turn.
Ileana Nogueras, a groomer from Delaware, experienced the utter damage of Superstorm Sandy. She personally understands lots of of the groomers that were in truly poor situations. They had lost whatever as well as had no method to make a living. Ileana was one of the big-hearted, caring groomers who tried to assist everybody possible, however there was bit structure or organization to their efforts.
This past fourth of July, Ileana put a plan in movement that had been brewing in her thoughts for a long time—the formation of a fund to help groomers that are impacted by emergencies or disasters. “I’ve been believing about it as well as speaking about this idea for a while now,” states Ileana. “I feel strongly that this is something that truly needs to be created. What I want to do is have a starting point so people will understand that the group is there.
“I began to get things organized,” states Ileana enthusiastically. “We already have a board of directors in place, which is made up of seven extremely respected members of the grooming industry. The board of directors works completely on a volunteer basis—no one gets paid. all of the money collected will go directly to recipients, except for needed costs like postage as well as PayPal fees.
“The wheels are turning,” shares a figured out Ileana. “We have used to be a 501(C) non-profit organization, as well as we will be understood as the Groomers emergency help Fund. The weather condition is crazy, as well as emergencies are going to happen. When they do, groomers will have the GEAF to contact. When a request comes into the GEAF for assistance, the board will vote on it as well as make a decision.
“I have to be candid,” Ileana continues. “Not having money to make your vehicle repayment is not an emergency, however if you experience a catastrophe as well as lose your home, salon, or grooming van, that’s a different story. as well as we are discovering exactly how to do things much better as we grow.”
In the aftermath of the twister that tore with Oklahoma, groomers needed box fans to dry dogs as well as to step air in their grooming locations. Lori Craig made that requirement understood on Facebook. a number of groomers went on the internet as well as bought box fans from the Wal-Mart closest to Lori’s location, as well as Lori was able to pick the fans up that extremely day.
Another concept that is in the works is to have a get in touch with in every state, which might store contributed grooming equipment. If somebody needs it, they can get it to them quickly, as well as they can be back in service as well as put food on their table when again.
Ileana likewise sees a fantastic requirement for each groomer to plan ahead as well as prepare for catastrophes that can be avoided. “As an industry, we have come a long way,” affirms Ileana, “but we have a long method to go. I would like to get groomers believing about taking much better care of themselves as well as to continue educating themselves. I believe it is a genuine dilemma that the fantastic majority of groomers don’t have health and wellness or special needs insurance—or a nest egg to autumn back on. If they don’t work for a week, they don’t get paid. When things like Superstorm Sandy, destructive flooding, as well as the Oklahoma twister happen, that’s when these things hit home.”
People ask Ileana exactly how much assist the GEAF is going to be able to give. “Every bit helps,” states Ileana enthusiastically. “We have truly generous people in the grooming market who will gladly provide what they can, even if it is a little amount. as well as any individual can make donations to the group at any type of time, not just when there is a disaster,” states Ileana. “At this time, the very best method tonull