The second annual Dinner for a Dog gala was held in Okotoks on Saturday, May 3.
Organized by the Veterans Service Dog Society of Alberta and hosted at the Viking Rentals Centre, the event was held to raise money to provide a local veteran with a service dog.
Guest speakers included Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn, Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson and Okotoks veteran Paris Douglas, who received a service dog following last year’s gala.
Roger Olynyk was announced as this year’s recipient. Attendees heard from Olynyk and had the chance to meet his service dog, Mya.
The event raised over $40,000.
A portion of that was from a $10,000 donation from the Okotoks branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was presented on the night.
"It's a great program. I've seen Paris over the years since he's got his dog, Royal, and the success that the dog has had or the impact the dog has had on his life is amazing," said Okotoks Legion President Rick Oncescu. "I've met many veterans who need help in one way or the other, and this is just one way that society and programs are available to help vets whose traumatic injury or experiences need support that humans can't provide."
With a second successful year, Dinner for a Dog is establishing itself as a fixture on the local fundraising calendar.