How Floral Industry Members Can Seek Relief from Wildfire and Storm Damage
September 30, 2020 
Floral industry professionals who are struggling in the wake of wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters can now seek aid from a new fund created by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Foundation. In an article on the Society of American Florists (SAF) website, SAF Senior Contributing Writer and Editor Katie Vincent says the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund, established this summer, offers relief to those in need following a wide range of misfortunes.
“This provides the tools to address what we have been unable to in the past so that we may better meet the needs of the people of this industry,” says AIFD Foundation CEO Lynn Lary McLean.
In 2017, AIFD Foundation created three separate relief funds to help floral industry professionals hard hit by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
“Each fund was created for the stated purpose, and funds were raised in concert with the two state associations and an AIFD Regional Chapter where each occurred,” McLean says. “During the time of this activity, there were others needing assistance that were outside of these specific arenas. This is what led us to establish an overall AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund.”
AIFD Foundation announced the fund on social media on August 28 and immediately shared the post with the Louisiana State Florists’ Association (LSFA) to alert florists in the Lake Charles area, where Hurricane Laura, a Category 4 storm, had hit just one day earlier. An AIFD Foundation representative also called the LSFA office so those in need would know to apply for the AIFD Natural Disaster Assistance Grant.
In addition to grant applications from Louisiana florists, the organization has connected with individuals in the Pacific Northwest who’ve been affected by the ongoing forest fires.
“The stories we heard were heartbreaking,” McLean says of these and past disasters.
McLean emphasizes the fund is in its infancy and, to be effective, will require donations. To contribute, visit aifdfoundation.org. Unused money will remain in the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund to offer assistance in the future.
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