A warehouse fire in Albuquerque has left the Oliver Rigby Foundation reeling after losing all of its donations intended for local animal shelters. The fire, which occurred on Monday, has halted the foundation’s operations and left many animals in need without essential supplies.
Key Takeaways
- The Oliver Rigby Foundation’s warehouse was completely destroyed by fire.
- The fire was reportedly linked to a gas leak.
- Thousands of pounds of donations, including blankets and towels, were lost.
- The foundation is urgently seeking warehouse space and new donations.
The Incident
On October 15, 2024, a fire broke out at the Oliver Rigby Foundation’s warehouse located on Menaul near I-25. Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to reports of a gas leak, which quickly escalated into a significant fire. Fire crews worked tirelessly for two and a half hours to bring the blaze under control, but the damage was extensive.
Terri Dean, co-founder of the foundation, expressed her devastation, stating, "We lost absolutely everything. We had a warehouse packed with soft goods that were ready to go." The foundation has been operational since 2021, focusing on upcycling soft goods to support animal shelters and foster care initiatives.
Impact on the Community
The loss of the warehouse and its contents has a ripple effect on the community. The foundation has been a crucial resource for local animal shelters, providing thousands of pounds of essential items over the years. With winter approaching, the need for blankets and other supplies becomes even more critical.
Dean noted, "This time of year for us, the temperatures start to drop, and we’ve done donations as far as Aztec, where the animals are outside because there is simply no room for them in the shelter. They need the blankets and things more than they do in, you know, July."
Urgent Call for Help
In the wake of this disaster, the Oliver Rigby Foundation is in urgent need of assistance. They are seeking:
- Warehouse Space: To store incoming donations.
- Donations: Any soft goods, financial contributions, or supplies that can help replenish their stock.
Dean emphasized the importance of community support during this challenging time, stating, "We’re in a scramble. We need warehouse space. We will also need more donations. So if people have donations that would be amazing but before we get the donations we need some place to put them."
Conclusion
The fire at the Oliver Rigby Foundation’s warehouse is a significant loss not only for the organization but also for the many animals and shelters that rely on their support. As the community rallies to assist, the foundation hopes to rebuild and continue its mission of helping those in need.
For those interested in contributing to the foundation’s efforts, any form of support would be greatly appreciated as they work to recover from this devastating event.
