Doris Day Animal Foundation responds to the call for Ukraine disaster relief

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) April 22, 2022 — Now months into the devastation in Ukraine, veterinary clinics, rescue organizations and shelters are continuing to make every effort to provide urgent medical care, food and shelter to injured, displaced and starving animals. As the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) responded to the crisis by raising disaster relief funds to support the efforts of local organizations that were vetted by staff veterinarians of the AVMA. The Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) heard the call for assistance and answered with a generous matching gift to the AVMF program of $100,000.

The funding is being distributed by AVMF to support veterinary and other organizations to protect animal welfare and the welfare of the care providers.

“When we heard that AVMF was providing food, medical care, disaster relief and emergency support to animals affected by the Ukrainian crisis, we knew we wanted to help,” said Dr. Bob Bashara, CEO of the DDAF and recipient of the 2018 AVMA Animal Welfare Award. “We are proud to carry on Doris Day’s legacy by donating $100,000 to this crucial humanitarian cause. Nothing was closer to Doris’ heart than making this a better world for animals and the people who love them. What better way to honor her on what would have been her 100th birthday (#DorisDay100) than helping those in the direst need.”

The AVMF is extremely grateful to the DDAF for its major gift and its continued efforts to help fundraise for the Ukraine Disaster Relief program. The contribution was received on April 3, coinciding with the #DorisDay100 social media challenge.

“We greatly appreciate Doris Day Foundation’s generous grant to support the AVMF’s mission in helping the Ukraine Crisis,” said Dr. Douglas Kratt, chair of the AVMF. “These relationships that have been cultivated over time allow veterinary professionals to help all animals in times of crisis, including the war in Ukraine. Thank you to Dr. Bashara and DDAF for working with the AVMF to make a difference.”

Individuals and organizations can support those affected, including veterinary teams and the animals they care for, by making a gift that will provide food, veterinary care, and emergency support to those caught in the crossfire. Visit avmf.org/ways-to-give/disaster-relief-in-ukraine/. You can support the DDAF at ddaf.org.

About the AVMA

Serving more than 99,500 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation’s leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members’ unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.

About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. For almost 60 years, the AVMF has been dedicated to developing resources to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. Foundation programs and activities are designed to benefit veterinary medicine, promote animal welfare, and enhance research so that the profession is better prepared to deal with difficult problems facing animal health today and tomorrow. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation assist veterinarians and the entire veterinary healthcare team help animals. Our funding priorities include Education, Disaster Relief, Crisis Support, Charitable Veterinary Care and Animal Health Research. An underlying thread running through all our priorities is wellbeing for members of the veterinary healthcare team, the animals they care for, and the people who love them.

About the Doris Day Animal Foundation

The Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) Public Charity founded in 1978 as the Doris Day Pet Foundation by legendary performer, Doris Day, with a straightforward mission that continues to this day: to help animals and the people who love them. As a grant-giving charity, DDAF funds other 501(c)(3) organizations across the United States that directly care for and protect animals.