The Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) is sending 1,500 bales of hay to Fort McMurray on December 16, 2016, to help support Fort McMurray equine owners through the winter. The hay will help alleviate some of the feed costs over the winter months, but also replace hay that was lost in the fires. The price of hay is slightly higher than in previous years and those in Fort McMurray typically pay an additional cost per hay bale for landed transportation.
The equine community from Alberta, across Canada, the USA and as far as the UK banded together from the moment the wild fires broke out to help the horses. Karina Webb, president of the Tower Road Equine Association, recently praised the equine community. “From myself as president of the Tower Road Equine Association, we are so grateful for the Equine Communities’ support. It does make a real difference. Thanks to the AEF for all your work, it is truly appreciated. The support really touches all of our hearts and is absolutely inspiring.” – Karina Webb.
Les Oakes, AEF president says, “The AEF received many donations for ‘the equines’ since the fires of May 2016; $33,000 in Greenhawk gift cards was distributed in September so owners could replace items lost in the fires; and most recently, a donation from the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation is going toward supporting this purchase of hay. As of December, 1, 2016, $53,000 in funds has been accounted for.”