Floral industry professionals struggling in the wake of wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters can seek aid from a new fund created by the American Institute of Floral Designers Foundation. The AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund, established this summer, offers relief to those in grave 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,” said AIFD Foundation CEO Lynn Lary McLean, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, TMF.
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 said. “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 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 (available at aifdfoundation.org).
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 said of these and past disasters.
McLean emphasized that 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.
Katie Vincent is the senior contributing writer and editor for the Society of American Florists.
