This summer, the City is partnering with DC3S and the Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors (GPBR) to launch a fundraising campaign in an effort to raise $25,000 to sponsor a service dog that will be gifted to a Michigan veteran or first responder.
The dog, named “Sterling,” will be ready for pairing in 2019.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(C)3 that trains medical service dogs to mitigate the challenges associated with several disabilities, including: PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Traumatic Brain Injury, seizure disorders, glucose imbalance, mobility issues and more. Guardian Angels has paired more than 200 individually trained medical service dogs with deserving recipients since their beginning in 2010. Guardian Angels does not charge the recipient for their service dog.
Any individual or business is encouraged to donate to the effort to fund Sterling, and donation amounts can start as low as $5. The GPBR has purchased commemorative pins to give to any donor that gives more than $25 toward Sterling. All donors that choose to share their name will be recognized by the three organizations at events and in promotion throughout the year.
The City of Sterling Heights has long supported veterans and active military through events such as its Memorial Day Parade, Veterans Day Ceremony, sending care packages through the Senior Center and more. Community Relations Director Bridget Kozlowski said this charitable opportunity falls perfectly in line with the City’s mission to honor and assist those who serve.
“The Sterling Heights community is incredibly supportive of supporting veterans, so we are hopeful our residents and businesses will feel inclined to donate to this wonderful cause,” Kozlowski said. “Through Sterling, we’re able to assist someone with building or restoring their independence and improving their quality of life.”
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor said he and the City Council are proud to support the partnership to sponsor Sterling for a veteran. Taylor said the City is setting an initial goal to have Sterling completely funded by the end of 2018 — but he hopes they can see her funded sooner.
“This effort through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a wonderfully noble cause and our opportunity to give something back to a veteran who has given so much for the safety and security of our country,” Taylor said. “I’m confident the Sterling Heights community will be able to rally behind this partnership and raise the money to give Sterling a new home where she can be helpful to her new recipient.”
“We have been a partner with the City of Sterling Heights at Music in the Park in the past and we’re very excited to work with them regarding Sterling,” said Lori Jaglois, President of the Grosse Pointe REALTORS®. “This is our third such effort and it never gets old.”
Those interested in giving toward the campaign can go to www.sterling-heights.net/guardianangels which will redirect the user directly to the Guardian Angels “Network For Good” internal page to make their donation to Guardian Angels. Donations can be by name or annonymous and anyone, including individuals and businesses, are welcome to give to the cause..
Those with questions or those seeking more information can contact Community Relations Director Bridget Kozlowski at bkoz@sterling-heights.net or by calling (586) 446-2471.