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Kurt Browning helps Humane Society get off thin ice
Public skating event this weekend aims to raise funds for supporting shelter dogs
| Source: |
newsdurhamregion.com |
| Date: |
February 21, 2009 |
| Author: |
Parvaneh Pessian |
DURHAM -- "Shelter dogs rock," says Kurt Browning as he puts in some
quality playtime with the animals at the Humane Society of Durham
Region.
The four-time world figure skating champion and self-proclaimed dog
lover dropped by the shelter's temporary location at 79 Taunton
Rd. E. in Oshawa on Friday. He was there meeting with staff and some
of the animals that will benefit from a special campaign he's
involved in this month.
Mr. Browning is the official spokesman for the Pedigree Adoption Drive
-- a nation-wide campaign that aims to spread awareness about the
plight of shelter dogs and encourage people to consider
adoption.
"Shelters are great, viable sources when it comes to learning how to
find the right dog for you, how to take care of a them and adapt
yourself to them," Mr. Browning said.
The partnership is a suitable fit for the Durham shelter where a
tragic fire took place in December. The early morning blaze killed
nearly 200 animals and destroyed the building.
"Until they get a real home, it's difficult for them because they're
all over the place while trying to find a place for these dogs that
are coming in every day."
The site is just one of 30 shelters Pedigree has teamed up with to
raise funding for dogs through product endorsement and volunteer
efforts.
The campaign has run in the United States for six years but is this is
only the second year Canada has taken part. Last year's drive brought
in more than $300,000 -- a victory organizers hope to top this year
with a goal to raise $500,000.
All funds collected will be poured into participating shelters across
Canada to cover the costs of vet care, vaccinations, shelter and
food.
As part of the campaign, Mr. Browning will also be hitting the ice at
the Legends Centre this weekend for a short performance and public
meet and greet. In lieu of admission, attendees are asked to bring a
donation to go toward rebuilding efforts for the Humane Society of
Durham Region.
"Events like this mean the world to us because they highlight our
needs and give us some visibility while letting the public know how
important their support is for us to survive," shelter manager Ruby
Richards said.
"A lot of people might not know that we're still around but we
are. We're right back up running again to help the animals in Durham
and we hope that within the next year with the help of these kinds of
programs, we will have made even more progress."
The skating event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 6:30
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Legends Centre, 1661 Harmony Rd. N. in
Oshawa.
For more information about the Pedigree Adoption Drive campaign, visit
www.mypedigree.ca.
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