With wildfires blazing through their home state displacing thousands of people – and their animals – the 2020-21 Oregon FFA state officers sprang into action when they found an opportunity to help those impacted by the devastation.
The team volunteered to help with sheltering displaced animals at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center in Salem, Ore., by assisting with unloading animals as they came in and helping care for them as their owners look for more permanent housing.
“This was a call to action for us,” Oregon FFA State President Grace Adams says. “As more and more towns evacuated, more and more animals were in need of care, and we knew this was something we could do to make a difference.”
The team joined in the effort swiftly on September 8, initially focusing on creating pens, supplying bedding and water, and helping the animals get settled.
“It was a lot to take in, with trailer after trailer of animals arriving,” says Oregon FFA State Sentinel Colby Fairbairn. “Not only were we helping corral them, but we were also trying to connect with their owners and provide as much comfort and reassurance as we could.”
Now, after ensuring the animals are fed and watered and have clean bedding, the team makes a point to give them individual attention and affection each day. After all, many of the animals are people’s pets.
“We’ve done our best to let owners know their animals are being loved as if they were our own,” says Oregon FFA State Treasurer Celilo Brun. “There’s so much to be done [at the fairgrounds], but we make time to help the animals feel safe and nurtured because we know this is a scary time for them.”
Along with the Oregon FFA state officer team, which also includes Jenna Wallace, Raimey Brown and Alivia Robbins, many local FFA members, advisors and alumni have pitched in at the fairgrounds. The team agrees it has been inspiring to see the state and community come together, and they feel proud to be part of an organization that emphasizes the importance of serving others.
Going forward, the Oregon FFA state officers plan to continue volunteering as long as the animals are displaced. They encourage other FFA members to engage in volunteer work in their own communities.
“No matter the size of the impact you make, you’re still making an impact, and small acts of kindness truly make a difference,” Fairbairn says.
