The P.A.T.C.H. Challenge
Dogs have a way of making us feel good. Little Patch fulfilled this role and then some.
Patch was adopted by local businessman and fellow dog-lover, Frank Apa. Patch’s sweet, outgoing and charismatic nature quickly won the hearts of Frank and his team at Lexus of Oakville. Patch became the official ambassador of the dealership lifting people’s spirits and bringing smiles to everyone he met.
When Patch passed away in 2001, the PATCH Program was created in partnership with OMHS to honour his important legacy of kindness. The PATCH Program teaches children and youth about animals, fostering a community of care and compassion and the positive impact of kindness in our world today. To date, the Patch Program has raised $308,669.55 and helped to create a kind, humane community.
The Patch Challenge, born from the Patch Program, takes place each year. Since 2001, Patch’s kindness initiative has raised funds through the sale of each car at Lexus of Oakville in support of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.
Each year the OMHS and Lexus of Oakville reward a child with the Patch Challenge Award for their demonstration of kindness in our community in honour of Patch. It is a special tribute to the special black and white dog who brought out these qualities in everyone he encountered. Congratulations to the 2024 Patch Challenge Award winners Max and Jack Lawton (pictured below)!
Pictured are Mike Mahaffy of Lexus of Oakville, Clayton Shold, Jeff Vallentin, and Jack and Max Lawton.
Oakville & Milton Humane Society is very grateful for the support from Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville.
You can help kids in our communities learn more about kindness to animals by making a donation to the Patch initiative or nominating a child for the Patch Challenge award at any time throughout the year.