CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Bark for Life P.E.I. recently met with the Canadian Cancer Society, P.E.I. division to turn in funds raised during the 2018 calendar year.
The total of $33,731.42 makes it their most successful fundraising year to date. Since Bark for Life P.E.I.’s debut back in 2014, this event has raised $125,109.53.
Throughout 2018, a committee of dedicated volunteers organized numerous events in order to raise much-needed funds.
Its signature event, Bark for Life, took Victoria Park by storm on June 16 where close to 100 pet owners and their dogs came together and spent a few hours taking in an opening and closing ceremony, training demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, doggie painting, a doggie kissing booth, information kiosks and much more.
The committee also held its very first Howl-o-ween Pet Pix at Victoria Park leading up to Halloween where owners got professional photos taken of their pets in front of a Halloween display.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the committee held its Jingle Bones Online Silent Auction, which featured over $7,180 worth of donated items that folks could bid on for that special someone for Christmas. The auction included weekend getaways at hotels, golf clubs, paintings, a six-month supply of dog food, restaurant gift certificates, gym memberships and tickets to various shows from tip-to-tip of the Island.
for Life P.E.I. also teamed up with the Wellness Committee at the Atlantic Veterinary College to host the first Mission PAWSible. Students came together and committed to doing 20 hours of wellness activity (walking their dog, hitting the gym, etc.), all while raising funds to benefit not only Bark for Life P.E.I. but also one of their fellow students. A portion of the proceeds raised with this last event was given to a student at the AVC currently going through a cancer journey.
All of these events wouldn’t be possible without the support of participants, sponsors and donors, said Christian Gallant, for Life P.E.I. co-chairman.
“Our goal has always been to help Islanders, and that’s why all funds raised stay right here in P.E.I. The funds raised are allocated to programs such as sending kids to camp, Wigs for Women, Cancer Care Kits and the financial assistance program.”
Bark for Life P.E.I. also celebrates the important role canine friends play through good times and bad and gives pet owners and their dogs the opportunity to make a difference while enjoying various fun activities throughout the year to fight back against cancer.
Jayna Stokes, provincial lead with the Canadian Cancer Society, appreciates the support of committed individuals like the Bark for Life P.E.I. committee.
“Many of us have been directly affected by cancer and we share a strong bond with others who experience it. Cancer has a big effect on all Canadians and thanks to our many volunteers Islanders in need are supported. By supporting the Canadian Cancer Society, their efforts will always be magnified because together we are a force-for-life in the face of cancer.”
Money raised annually by Bark for Life P.E.I.:
- 2014 – $18,237.47
- 2015 – $18,237.67
- 2016 – $26,929.86
- 2017 – $27,973.11
- 2018 – $33,731.42
