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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 has 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 was bought and resold due
to lack of financial aid, although HQ in Mokattam is fully operational.
All monies received go back into the system to help more Maus to
a better life either locally or abroad. Our vet
clinic became operational in 2008 in HQ, as well as the EMRO
Suite for overnight or short term stay guests. We also offer
boarding.
EMRO is an officially
registered non-profit charity in Egypt, an NGO (non-governmental
organization) with charitable number #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, 2012-14
Acting President: Dr. Ismail Elkholy
Treasurer: (Vacant)
Secretary: Mr. Sheriff El-Khouly
Members at Large: Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, Dr. Shaimaa Ramadan, Ms. Gloria Lauris
Present Positions and Participants
Spokesman and Legal work: Dr. Ismail Elkholy, Founding
Member (EGY-CDN)
General Manager (Shelter and Clinic): Mr. Khaled Elkholy (EGY)
Veterinarians: Dr. Mahmoud Abd El Azim (EGY), Dr. Hazim Sherif (EGY)
Assistant Veterinarians: Dr. Mona (EGY)
Animal workers: Mr. Mahmoud and Mr. Gomaa (EGY)
Administrator: (Vacant)
Administration Assistants: Ms. Orchid Elmiah (EGY), and Ms. Nayyra Magdy (EGY)
Sponsorship Manager: Ms. Aida Marina (USA)
Adoption Manager / Information Manager: Ms. Cheryl McMurray (USA)
Adoption Manager - Europe: Ms. Viviane Kraemer (GER)
Adoption Manager - U.K.: Ms. Lisa Taylor (U.K.)
Cairo Animal Adoption Assistant & Arabic Translator: Ms. Randa El Nabarawi (EGY)
Communication (French Translator): Mrs. Rosalind Smith (UK,
Egypt)
Fundraising: Ms. Gail Taylor (U.K. - EGY)
Legal Advice: Mr. Ashraf Gamal (EGY)
Bookkeeping: Mr. Sheriff El-Khouly (EGY)
Cat Socializers: Various local volunteers.
WebMauster: Aida Marina (USA)
EBulletin: Ms. Aida Marina (USA),and Ms. Gloria Lauris (CAN-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 Master's 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 as 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 fundraising 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.
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