In the Asheville, N.C. area, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been nothing short of devastation. The entire community has been decimated, destroyed and broken. The rising death toll continues to shock and dishearten people everywhere. As many outside the region were waking up to this horrific news, Guardiansof Rescue already had boots on the ground, delivering critical supplies and helping to make rescues. The destruction is unimaginable, and they are calling on the community to help support the effort so they can reach and help as many people and pets as possible.
"We are always ready to be at the forefront of such situations to help people and pets," says Robert Misseri, founder of Guardians of Rescue. "What has happened in Asheville is heartbreaking, and we need to act quickly to make as many rescue efforts as possible."
Destroyed homes, people being airlifted to safety, missing pets, lives lost, and so much more. These are the things that Guardians of Rescue team member Angelique Williams is seeing in Asheville. She has seen a lot as a Navy veteran who has completed several overseas tours, but nothing prepared her for this. Her video reporting on the scene and rescue efforts quickly went viral after being posted on Facebook, as it touched everyone's heart who watched it. The scenes of damaged and destroyed things and the pain people feel can be felt by everyone who watches them.
"We are trying to get people what they need, and right now, they need everything," said Williams. "The destruction is heartbreaking, yet we see glimpses of hope and joy here and there. We must all come together to help our fellow Americans through this pain. We will do everything possible to help the families and their pets."
These people and animals have endured the unimaginable and are in urgent need of medical care, shelter, and safety. Your support can make all the difference in their recovery. By donating, you will provide them with the resources they need to survive and heal from their trauma. Together, we can restore hope and offer them a second chance at life.
Guardians of Rescue supplies people with various items, but they need much more. Entire communities in the area need everything. The group is gathering more supplies to deliver and continue helping with the rescue. Very few people are allowed in because any travel is limited to emergencies, but Guardians of Rescue is allowed to help. They urgently gather and deliver supplies, including dog and cat food, water, hygiene supplies, toilet paper, bleach, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, and much more.
Niki Dawson an animal control officer and certified FEMA responder lead the efforts for Guardians of Rescue. She was able to navigate through closed roads, washed out bridges and mudslides to get to a shelter that had run out of food, water for both the animals and the one staff member that was able to get there. The teams were able to get some supplies to a 55+ plus home that had not seen any help.
“They were so thankful for the supplies, but they most thankful for giving them hope,” said Dawson. “They had given up. These people and animals have endured the unimaginable and are in urgent need of medical care, shelter, and safety. Your support can make all the difference in their recovery.”
To donate to help with the urgent rescue effort, visit the site here: https://guardiansofrescue.networkforgood.com/projects/235433-hurricane-helene-emergency-response
To see the video of the Guardians of Rescue team helping in Asheville, visit the site here: https://youtu.be/GH9rf7_XejQ?si=7L7j2QA1elAEt_mU
Guardians of Rescue provides various services to help save animals, reunite people and pets, investigate animal cruelty cases, and offer disaster response assistance, such as in the aftermath of hurricanes. Their work has impacted people and animals around the world. They can only continue their work through the generosity of those who donate to support the cause. To get more information or make a donation, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.
