Congratulations to Aliyah Brito for winning the Oakville & Milton Humane Society’s (OMHS) 2020 Patch Challenge by demonstrating kindness and compassion towards animals! Through their support, Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville have made the P.A.T.C.H. program and challenge a reality and its vision to benefit animals by creating a kinder, more compassionate world for all living things. For the 2020 Patch Challenge they have raised $15,000!
Aliyah is a young girl with a big place in her heart for animals. In the last year, she has started her own dog treat business – spending her free time baking and delivering treats to furry friends. She has met hundreds of different animals and you can see the strong connection she shares with each of them when they meet. “I am very excited that to win the award because I love animals and I love helping them. I hope I can help all the animals in the world,” says Aliyah.
“Animals are an amazing way to teach children empathy, kindness, and self-esteem. Studies show that children who regularly interact with animals have higher self-esteem, greater confidence, and have enhanced social skills,” says Rick Perciante, Executive Director of OMHS. “Through her actions, Aliyah exemplifies the spirit of the Patch Challenge and I congratulate her on behalf of OMHS. My thanks to Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville for making the P.A.T.C.H. program and challenge a reality.”
On August 29th, at Lexus of Oakville, Aliyah received a framed certificate, an Indigo gift card, a stuffed dog and will be provided with a VIP tour of OMHS at a later date. Through the P.A.T.C.H. program, OMHS challenges students in our community to be kind to people and animals. We also challenge teachers to bring OMHS into their classrooms so children can learn about responsible pet ownership, and safety around animals.
Through the Patch Challenge, Lexus of Oakville has been raising funds in honour of Patch (Apa’s beloved Shih Tzu dog) during the month of August since 2002. This campaign has raised more than $223,000 since its inception and has brought the P.AT.C.H. program to almost 15,000 students across Oakville and Milton.
From left to right: Frank Apa, President of Lexus of Oakville, Aliyah, Avery, and Rick Perciante, Executive Director, OMHS.
“Lexus of Oakville supports many causes within our community. One of our favorites and also our longest partnership is with the Oakville & Milton Humane Society – specifically the P.A.T.C.H. program,” explains Frank Apa, President of Lexus of Oakville. “This is partially because of my love of animals but also because we know that we all have a responsibility in providing care to our 4-legged friends. P.A.T.C.H. is a program that teaches children about compassion for animals and helps to set them along a path ensuring that they grow to be caring adults. We are so proud of this legacy.”
