Fundraiser to help local Special Olympics athletes

Local Special Olympics athletes are set for some financial assistance for the upcoming World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. A new fundraiser is hoping to generate funds to help with the costs of going to the games for the athletes, which run June 14th through the 17th. The games will help promote inclusion and raise awareness for Special Olympics athletes. BCN’s Micah Quinn chatted with a member of the Lethbridge Police Service who is putting on the fundraiser with a little help from some four-legged friends.

Below is a news release from the Lethbridge Police Service stating the three levels of the fundraiser:

• $500 donation – YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete and a K9 demo. The demonstration will provide a close-up look at the capabilities of a police dog from tracking and searching to apprehensions – the latter being fun to watch but less enjoyable when you’re on the receiving end of that jaws clamping shut.

• $750 donation – YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete and the opportunity to attend a 4-hour K9 Training Day. Train with members of the K9 Unit and their-four legged partners. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the dogs in action, learn how they are trained, ask questions and participate in some of the drills. We’ve got a protective bite suit with your name on it for this one should you be so inclined.

• $1,000 donation – YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete, K9 Challenge Coin and the opportunity for a K9 Ride Along – up to 12 hours. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a day in the life of a K9 officer, this is your chance. You can choose an afternoon shift or a night shift. During your shift you’ll respond to calls, have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, observe the dog at work, engage with officers and see what a frontline patrol shift with a four-legged partner is really like. Don’t worry there’ll be a shield between you and the dog in the vehicle and we’ll make sure he knows you’re one of the good guys.

For more information on the fundraiser or to donate, you can visit https://soa.crowdchange.ca/42203