Supplier Logomark (PPAI 110898, S12), based in Tustin, California, has chosen to support Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit organization that adopts and trains rescues to be service dogs for military veterans suffering from psychological injuries incurred from traumatic service experiences. The company announced its partnership with Shelter to Soldier at The PPAI Expo 2020.
At the Expo, attendees met veteran Vic Martin and heard how his service dog, Mia, transformed his life. Martin says, “My story is just like a ton of other veterans. I suffered a brain injury in the Navy, and Mia has truly saved my life.”
Graham Bloem, CEO of Shelter to Soldier, has 18 years of professional dog-training experience and is passionate about helping both veterans and rescues on their road to recovery. Shelter to Soldier also offers job opportunities and provides therapy sessions and peer-to-peer counseling. He says, “It is our mission to be one source of positivity for our U.S. veterans and to provide shelter dogs a second chance of being loved and giving love. We are truly saving lives, two at a time, at Shelter to Soldier, and we are blessed to do so.”
Veteran Joel Brambila, U.S. Marine Corps, says, “The entire team at Shelter to Soldier has contributed to allowing me to live my life again … Duke has challenged me and helped me overcome several mental walls that had previously stopped me completely.”
Dogs in the program are trained for more than nine months at an average cost of $15,000-$25,000 from adoption to graduation. Logomark has already committed to supporting the charity by providing funding for two support dogs and supplying promotional products for Shelter to Soldier to sell and further fund their organization. A percentage of all sales from Perka, Work and iCool branded products will be donated to support Shelter to Soldier. Product offerings include drinkware, bags and coolers.
“We’re proud to stand behind this remarkable organization. The work they are doing to help veterans and shelter dogs is incredible, and we’re excited to help build awareness and see them grow through our partnership,” says Lori Bolton, Logomark vice president of sales.
