Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Faces Challenges After Hurricane Helene
Asheville is still reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck our community just over a week ago. The storm wreaked havoc on Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, devastating their shelter and destroying all of their physical assets. Fortunately, in a stroke of luck and preparedness, all 150 animals were evacuated to foster homes just before the floodwaters hit. It’s a relief to let everyone know that all 34 staff members are safe, although many of them have lost their homes and belongings.
Community Resilience Amid Destruction
In the midst of this chaos, a small, committed team at Brother Wolf has been working tirelessly around the clock. They are operating out of a makeshift office in one of the few places in Asheville where there is any internet access. However, they are facing significant obstacles, including impassable roads, power outages, fuel shortages, and communication difficulties that make their already tough job even harder.
As of October 4th, we learned that they have successfully transported 100 animals to partner shelters stretching from Charlotte to Massachusetts. Others have been adopted by the families who fostered them during the hurricane, giving these furry friends a new lease on life. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is known for playing an essential role in our community, saving **over 5,400 animals each year**, with more than 60% of these animals coming from rural shelters in the Western North Carolina area. These smaller shelters often lack the resources and adopters that larger facilities enjoy, making Brother Wolf a critical ally in the fight for the lives of countless animals.
A Call for Support
However, the recent halt in operations is a significant setback, not only for Asheville but also for nearby communities that depend on Brother Wolf for their most vulnerable animals. The impact of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, and the need for support is more urgent than ever. To help restore their vital operations, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is launching a $500,000 donation match campaign. A generous donor has stepped up to match every contribution dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. This means that every penny donated will have double the power to uplift Brother Wolf Animal Rescue during this crucial time.
“We are incredibly moved by the community’s response so far,” expressed Leah Craig Chumbley, the Executive Director. “But our fight is far from over. We urgently need financial support to rebuild and to continue serving the communities and thousands of animals each year who depend on us.”
How to Help
If you’re inspired to help, it’s easy to make a difference. You can support Brother Wolf Animal Rescue by providing emergency shelters, supplies, and care for homeless pets as they work to rebuild. Simply visit their website, where every donation will be matched up to $500,000, essentially doubling the impact of your generous support.
As we come together as a community, let’s not forget our furry friends who are counting on us during this challenging time. Now, more than ever, brother and sisterhood shines brightly in Asheville, proving that no storm can dim our resolve to care for those in need. Each contribution counts and helps create a brighter future for these incredible animals.
Let’s rally around Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and ensure that they can continue their mission of providing critical care to animals in need. Every little bit helps! Together, we can make a real difference and bring hope back to our beloved community.
