THUNDER BAY —For the first time, St. John Ambulance Thunder Bay's therapy dog service has created its own unique calendar as a fundraising initiative.
The calendar, which went on sale Wednesday for $10, features photos of some of the dogs that provide comfort and support for community members.
"It's been a long time coming. We have volunteers that have really stepped up to the plate, and they're responsible for making this happen," says Brian Edwards, the regional development and volunteer co-ordinator for SJA in Thunder Bay.
Currently, there are about 50 animals in the therapy dog service.
Edwards said the calendar recognizes the significant impact the program has in the community.
"The mental health, the physical health benefits that our dogs have anywhere they go...They make an impact. It's pretty cool," he said.
Volunteers bring the canine companions to facilities all over the city, ranging from long-term-care homes to the airport.
"Whether it's people who have a fear of flying, or a mom saying goodbye to a daughter going out of town for school for the first time" Edwards said, a therapy dog can make a difference.
Susan Wade, an ambassador for the program, said the calendar photos display the role that therapy dogs play around the city throughout the year.
"You see shots of everywhere, from the police station to nursing homes to the university, really reflecting the relationship that the dogs have with all the facilities in the community," Wade said.
In addition to the St. John Ambulance headquarters on Fort William Road, the calendars are available at numerous local retail outlets.
The organization will get all the proceeds, and will use the money to buy scarves and tags for the dogs, as well as uniforms for its more than 200 volunteers.
