IFAW President and CEO statement on Los Angeles wildfires

Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW, issued the following statement pertaining to the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County:

"It is immensely difficult to express the grief that I feel for everyone who has lost their homes or who have been separated from their loved ones, including their pets and their beloved animals. The situation is very grave indeed-and it is immensely personal. In fact, a number of our donors have lost their homes, and it is simply impossible to express words which can elicit the comfort that is so desperately needed.

Please know this---we are thinking of you, today and always. So many of you have done so much for IFAW for so long, that you are part of our global IFAW family. It is this family, including our supporters all across the world, that will continue to keep you, your families, and your pets in our hearts throughout these trying times.

IFAW will be there to help, today and always. We are at the ready. As an organisation, we have always focused on doing the right thing. We will not get in the way of those brave souls working tirelessly to prevent the fires from spreading. We will take the time to listen to what the immediate need is and act accordingly. However called upon, we will do our best to continue to save the lives of both people and animals.

To those many supporters and donors, some of whom are IFAW Board members --- who have suffered the loss of their homes or their livelihoods, or tragically even loved ones from these fires that spread uncertainty as viciously as they spread destruction --- we are with you. We will not abandon you. I hope you find comfort in the IFAW community all across the globe that offers its support and forges on towards a future where better days lie ahead."