Rotary Funding for Trauma Support Dog Program
Rotary members were introduced to ‘Chewie’, a specially bred and highly trained trauma canine at the noon meeting today, along with K9 Handler Gillian MacIntosh with Victim Services of Nipissing (VSND) and Constable Doug MacIntosh, North Bay Police Service.
The Rotary club has come on board to assist with financing the program, which relies 100% on fundraising and receives no government support. The contribution amounts to $5,000 annually mostly for food supplies and veterinarian bills.
Launched in 2018 with the support of the North Bay Police Service, Nipissing Transition House and the Victim Witness Assistance Program, Chewie is used to ground people who are agitated or anxious, provide emotional support to persons in crisis, is non-threatening, reduces fear/anxiety in children, persons with disabilities and students, helps reduce blood pressure and anxiety for victims and is a goodwill ambassador for VSND and local police.
Chewie, along with his handler, routinely provide trauma support to children and youth who have been victimized or witnesses to crime. They meet with young victims in a variety of settings including the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, courtrooms, police stations, shelters and other community programs. His ability to support victims has been highly praised and demand for his services has grown.
Grace Doiron, Club President, commented “When the club was approached by Victim Services, we did not hesitate to step in. Our club’s main focus continues to be supporting children and youth with special needs, and that now includes those who have been traumatized”.
To learn more about Rotary – visit www.rotaryclubofnorthbay.org.
