Businesses in the floral industry are organizing to help their colleagues impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
The effort will go to support the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund, which helps industry professionals who have experienced a catastrophic loss, including from natural disasters, says AIFD Foundation CEO Lynn McLean, AAF, PFCI, AIFD, TMF.
In recent years, the fund has replaced computers, repaired signs, replace shelving and display fixtures, assisted with basic interior needs to reopen, and provided money to be used toward insurance deductibles, McLean says.
Alabama Smilax has pledged to donate 10% of its February revenues to the fund, says Jordan Prosser, who works in sales and business development for the company. With encouragement from his company leaders, Prosser is in talks with a warehouse supply distributor, other farms, designers and a wholesaler about donating.
“Florists are such a compassionate group of people, and this is a time when we can come together and really show our support for the industry, he says.
Prosser’s push isn’t just for monetary donations — although he suggests even $10 would make a difference — but also for goods and supplies. He says some potential donors have discussed sending cases of flowers or new shelving when needed.
His determination is driven in part from living through hurricanes in his hometown of Tampa, Florida. He’s seen destroyed businesses and homes and understands that the recovery and rebuilding effort is a long process.
“We’ve seen it on the East Coast, and it’s time we help our friends on the other coast,” he says. “I’m just trying to get the ball running by getting our company’s commitment and then seeing who will jump on with us.”
Visit the AIFD Foundation Catastrophic Fund donation page to contribute.
Sarah Sampson is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.
