Operation Rescue Dog: Hurricane Relief
As all of you are aware, the terrible tragedy of hurricane Katrina has wreaked havoc on our country, on over a million of our fellow citizens and on approximately 30 Big Dog and Walking Company employees at 7 of our stores. The hurricane and its subsequent damage and effect is likely the most significant and deadly disaster to ever strike our country, certainly in my lifetime. While we watch these horrific events unfold on television and in the news, it is only natural to consider what we can do to help, even in some small way, the people of this area and our fellow associates.
In September of 2001, we raised money for families and children affected by the tragedy of 9/11. We eventually reached our financial goal and donated $100,000 to those charities mentioned and to non-profit centers which train rescue dogs, crucial to finding people trapped in the wreckage from these disasters. Our executive team has decided to launch OPERATION RESCUE DOG to make our contribution to the recovery from hurricane Katrina. Our company is a lot bigger and the need is greater so let's see if we can double our previous result. We have decided to split our efforts into specific help for our employees and general help for our fellow Americans.
2) We have printed approximately 20,000 T-shirts featuring our American Bred graphic (our logo dog against a background of the American flag) to sell in both our store chains and through the internet. We will contribute the profits for all of the T-shirts sold to the Red Cross relief effort. (To get yours, click here)
3) We are passing the hat amongst all of our employees to contribute to the Red Cross. We have over 2,000 employees and if everyone gave something, it wouldn't be that hard to reach a goal of $50,000...could we raise $100,000 or more? I encourage all of you to do what you can but it would be fantastic if we could reach 100% participation in this effort. Remember, everything counts when it comes to charitable giving and no amount is too small. All of the donations are tax deductible and should be made to the Big Dog Foundation. We will collect them together and make one donation on behalf of all of us.
2) As soon as logistics allow, we will provide shoes and clothing to our employees and their families (this is already happening in most places).
3) Administrative support to help process applications for aid from agencies like FEMA.
4) A similar job is open to all dislocated employees willing to relocate.
5) Financial assistance is available on a case by case basis.
Sincerely,
Andrew D. Feshbach
CEO, Big Dog Holdings Inc.