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Information about EMRO
In December 2003, Ms. Gloria Lauris, a Canadian, was visiting Egypt with
her husband, Dr. Ismail Elkholy and son Ali, and seeing relatives there.
Having recently acquired a silver Mau, Tazo, from the only Canadian breeder
of Maus at that time, she hoped to bring back a Mau from the homeland as a pet
companion for Tazo.
She soon discovered that there were no breeders of Egyptian Maus in Egypt. The locals didn't understand what a Mau was or that it was famous and
popular (and rare) outside of Egypt. There were a few pet stores, but they
only kept "Shirazi" cats, or imported long-haired type cats like Persians.
The Maus were running feral on the streets in deplorable conditions and
were considered unclean and undesirable. Ms. Lauris decided at that time
to do what she could to help the Maus' current situation, and to make them
more accessible to those who wished to get an original, native Mau from the
homeland. Thus, EMRO was born in concept.
EMRO's website started in the fall of 2004 with voluntary support from
some forward-thinking and helpful Mau breeders in the US, Canada and NZ. Emotional
and practical support and advice also came from other groups in the UK as well as newly created animal
shelters in Cairo who welcomed EMRO as another group wanting to help the
welfare of animals in Egypt.
After almost a year of administration, EMRO was able to obtain non-profit
status as a charity (Aug 2005). A potential sanctuary space was
purchased with Ms. Lauris' and Dr. Elkholy's retirement savings, and
clean-up was started in the Fall of 2005. Also, an office space was set up
in a suburb of Cairo (Al Mokattam) where Ms. Lauris ihas set up the EMRO headquarters (HQ), which is also the adoption and sponsorship
center for tame Maus. EMRO Vet clinic is functioning for the surrounding area, plus the EMRO Suite ( a 2 bedroom furnished apartment) is available for rent to outside visitors to Cairo.
The sanctuary for feral Maus, in Giza, is currently on hold due to lack of financial aid, although HQ is fully operational. All monies received go
back into the system to help more Maus to a better life either locally or
abroad.
EMRO is an officially registered non-profit charity in Egypt, an NGO (non-governmental
organization) with charitable number is #6196, effective since August 23, 2005.
EMRO has a small staff and volunteers, and we depend solely upon the support of private donators, investors, and grants. The governing Board of Directors steer EMRO's direction.
Board of Directors, 2007-08
President - Dr. Ismail Elkholy
Vice President - Dr. Ahmed El Sawaf
Treasurer - Ms. Gloria Lauris
Secretary - Mr. Sheriff El-Khouly
Member at Large - Dr. Shaimaa Ramaden
Present Positions and Participants
Spokesman and Legal work: Dr. Ismail Elkholy, Founding Member (EGY-CDN)
General Manager : Mr. Maged Abdel Razik (EGY)
Communication and Fund Raising: Ms. Gloria Lauris, Founding member (CDN-EGY)
Legal Advice: Mr. Ashraf Gamal (EGY)
Bookkeepping: Mr. Maged Abdel Razik (EGY) and Mr. Sheriff El-Khouly (EGY)
Veterinarians: Dr. Nancy El Kassar (EGY) and Dr. Engy El Sisi (EGY); Dr. Doaa' Mostafa is Assisant Vet
P/T Office Assistant: Dr. Doaa' Mostafa (EGY)
Animal workers: Mr. Yassir El Said (EGY) and Mr. Redah abdel Tawab (EGY)
Sponsorship Manager: Ms. Aida Marina (USA)
Adoption Assistant: Ms. Heather Lewis (USA)
Photographers: Ms. Eppie Litmer (USA) and Mr. Ahmed Shokr (
EGY) |
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Founding Members of EMRO
Dr. Ismail Elkholy, M.Eng., PhD, M.B.A.
A professional civil engineer by training, Dr. Elkholy has worked as a senior manager for Canadian National Railway (CN) for over 25 years. Presently he is working as an Advisor in Saudi Arabia. He also has a Masters Certificate in Project Management. Dr. Elkholy has an interest in Egyptian Maus as part of his Egyptian culture and heritage. (Egyptian-Canadian)
Ms. Gloria Lauris, M.A., B.A.
Ms. Lauris has her advanced degree in Sociology in Canada, and has worked for over ten years an analyst and project coordinator for public and private sectors. In addition, she has several years Education training, and experience as a teacher for ESL. She has led various fund-raising activities for health and charity causes. She is also a certified practioner of Electro Crystal Therapy, which she uses as a supplementary healing therapy for sick or injured Maus. Ms. Lauris has a passion for cats in general, and specifically for Egyptian Maus. She is owned by at least four cats, including a silver Egyptian Mau called Tazo in Canada. (Canadian-Egyptian)
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