Academy Canada’s veterinary assistant and receptionist students are raising money for a local rescue group, highlighting the importance of student outreach.
Caeleigh Hiscock
Kicker
Students of Academy Canada’s veterinary assistant and receptionist programs held an event Wednesday to raise money for Greyhound Pets NL, which enables people to adopt greyhounds and save them from being put down.
Every year the veterinary assistant and receptionist programs hold a fundraiser for a different animal rescue organization in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This year’s students were inspired by the unique needs of greyhounds and were intrigued by the work that Greyhound Pets NL does.
Greyhound Pets NL is a non-profit, volunteer run rescue group that focuses on finding forever homes in Newfoundland and Labrador for greyhounds, whippets and other sighthound breeds that rely on sight and speed to hunt rather than scent.
The fundraiser was held at both the Kenmount Road and Harding Road campuses.
Money was raised through donations, 50/50 tickets and prize baskets. Students worked together to create friendship bracelets, crocheted cat toys, dog collars and plushies, which were sold at the event.
Students also promoted the event by handing out flyers in the city.
“It’s been such a rewarding experience seeing everything come together,” said Emil Moore, a student in the veterinary assistant program.
Crystal Mercer, an instructor for the program, says it is important for her students to participate in events like this one – not only because it was for a good cause but also for the hands-on experience in teamwork, communication and community outreach. She feels it is crucial that students understand the importance of giving back to the field they are entering.
Mercer said raising money for a cause such as Greyhound Pets NL is fundamental in bringing attention to such important issues as animals in need. By spreading awareness, such fundraisers can bring to light the challenges many rescue organizations face.
Greyhounds are used for racing, an industry very prominent in Australia. These dogs are most often kept on farms and used for racing until a certain age. Once they can no longer race—or for whatever reason don’t meet a certain criterion—they are placed on adoption lists, which normally give the dogs only 24-48 hours until they are euthanized.
The greyhound racing industry produces a significant number of dogs each year. Overbreeding is a big problem in the industry. This leads to a number of dogs who, when they are no longer useful, will eventually need to be rehomed or put down.
“It’s heartbreaking to think of these dogs never getting the chance to just be dogs,” said Moore.
Moore is also a volunteer with Greyhound Pets NL, and his family adopted their greyhound through the organization.
“I always recommend adopting a greyhound or supporting rescues like these; they make an extraordinary difference in these dogs’ lives.”
All money raised will be going to Greyhound Pets NL. As of deadline, the total amount raised had not been tallied.
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