Good news for Alberta s ferrets!! The Alberta Ferret Society (Southern) has a new name Ferret Rescue & Education Society (FRES). In consultation with the provincial and federal governments we have been informed that Edmonton and Calgary AFS chapters must have their own incorporation and charitable tax number since they are financially separate entities. To incorporate, each applicant must have a unique name and as we all know, Alberta Ferret Society had been used! Essentially, we are still the same organization only with a new name. FRES volunteers remain dedicated to be an excellent resource for potential and current ferret owners and their ferrets as we have endeavored to do over the past three years as AFS (Southern). But, how does this help the ferrets? In the past, because Calgary and Edmonton AFS chapters were one organization legally, only one chapter could apply for some of the available funding opportunities. Since we were financially separate entities this limited our fundraising efforts. Becoming FRES means now both FRES and AFS can each apply for: - Grants - Casinos and other gaming activities - Corporate sponsorships - Programs that are geographically specific Additionally, FRES is dedicated to maintaining a working relationship with the AFS located in Edmonton to make Alberta a better place for ALL ferrets. With increased funding opportunities and a continued commitment to ferrets province-wide, the ferrets will, and should be, the ones who will ultimately benefit. Where do I get more information? Effective May 17, 2002, our new website will be available at http://www.ferrets.ca or you can email [log in to unmask] Sincerely, Marcy Kimura President Ferret Rescue and Education Society [Posted in FML issue 3780]