Pups of the Sylvan Lake Dog Park have reason to smile thanks to the Sylvan Lake Global Pet Foods Store.
Recently, Mayor Sean McIntyre accepted a cheque from the store for $1,500 which was part of the Show Us Your Heart Campaign. The money raised in 2016 during the 40th year of the charitable campaign, was donated to support the Sylvan Lake Dog Park.
Jim Walker, President of Global Pet Foods, said in a release that “once again, our customers have shown the size of their hearts through their donations and support. It’s even more special as we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year.”
The donation graciously accepted by Mayor McIntyre on behalf of the Town of Sylvan Lake, is the result of Global Pet Foods customers donating $750 and local store owners Chris Zamora and Larry Leeder matching that donation.
“For every donation over 10 dollars - we gave a 15 per cent discount on their next purchase,” Zamora said. “Essentially it did not cost the customer anything extra to donate.”
According to Zamora, after previously donating to the rescue society last year, they decided to donate to the dog park because they would like to see some improvements.
“We believe in giving back to the community,” Zamora said. “A lot of our customers use the dog park so that’s why we chose that.”
To date, the Show Us Your Heart campaign, which features Canadian Football League Hall of Fame inductee Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons as its spokesperson, has raised over $1.2 million dollars for animal groups across Canada – including the $1,500 raised in Sylvan Lake and $3,726 raised at the Camrose location, both of which are owned by Zamora and Leeder.
Mayor McIntyre said the donation will go straight to the dog park. He added Town Council is currently working on a strategy to help streamline fundraising projects throughout the Town of Sylvan Lake. The project is currently in its infancy, but the idea, for example, would be along the lines of creating various groups such as “Friends of the Dog Park Society.” More information will be made available by the Town as the project progresses.
If you would like more information about the Show Us Your Heart Campaign visit Global Pet Foods Store’s website at globalpetfoods.com.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com